UNESCO World Heritage Site Museums
Berlin's Museum Island, a UNESCO site, has five museums with art and history up to the 19th century.
Historical Site in Berlin
Brandenburg Gate
This 18th-century neoclassical monument in central Berlin rises 26 meters high, crowned by the Quadriga statue. A witness to German reunification, it anchors Pariser Platz.
The Brandenburg Gate, a neoclassical monument from the 18th century, marks the western end of Unter den Linden boulevard in Berlin's center. The massive sandstone arch topped with the Quadriga statue has witnessed key moments in German history, from Napoleon's occupation to the fall of the Berlin Wall. You can walk from here to see the Reichstag's glass dome, touch the concrete slabs at the Holocaust Memorial, or stroll through the oak-lined paths of Tiergarten park.
Architecture of the Brandenburg Gate
The gate rises 26 meters high and stretches 65 meters wide, with twelve Doric columns arranged in two rows of six. Architect Carl Gotthard Langhans took inspiration from Roman triumphal arches for the central section and the Propylaea of Athens' Acropolis for the overall design. On top, the bronze Quadriga depicts Victoria, the goddess of victory, driving a four-horse chariot. The sandstone reliefs tell stories from Greek mythology - look for the labors of Hercules carved into the panels.
Location and Access
You'll find the Brandenburg Gate where Unter den Linden meets Ebertstraße, at Pariser Platz. Take the S-Bahn (lines S1, S2, S25) or U-Bahn (line U5) to Brandenburg Gate station. You can visit the gate area any time, day or night, and the pedestrian-only zone makes it easy to take photos and examine the details. The Room of Silence in the gate's south wing welcomes visitors seeking a quiet moment.
Modern Events at Brandenburg Gate
On December 31st, around one million people come to Pariser Platz for "Celebrate at the Gate," with live music and midnight fireworks. During Germany's FIFA World Cup matches, large screens transform the area into a viewing space where thousands gather to watch. In September, the Berlin Marathon ends here, with runners passing through the gate's arches to reach the finish line.
Nearby Points of Interest
Walk five minutes north to the Reichstag Building and climb its glass dome for city views (book your visit in advance). The Holocaust Memorial lies a 5-minute walk south, where 2,711 concrete slabs form a grid-like memorial space. Walk west through the gate to enter Tiergarten, a 210-hectare park with walking paths and gardens. Walking east along Unter den Linden takes you to Museum Island's five museums in about 20 minutes. Around Pariser Platz, you'll see the American Embassy and Hotel Adlon, highlighting the square's diplomatic importance.
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What else to see in Berlin?
Zoo and Aquarium Visit
Berlin Zoo, Germany's oldest zoo, has over 20,000 animals and focuses on education and conservation.
Berlin Wall's Graffiti Art
Berlin's East Side Gallery is an open-air gallery on the Berlin Wall, representing freedom and change.
Modern Urban Development
Potsdamer Platz: A mix of Berlin's history, culture, and modern architecture with notable landmarks and city views.
Cold War Border Crossing Exhibit
Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin is a well-known Cold War landmark and former border point.
World Gardens in Marzahn
Explore Berlin's Gärten der Welt with gardens from around the world, teahouses, playgrounds, and events for all ages.
Historical German Parliament
The Reichstag Building is the German parliament headquarters with a notable glass dome in Berlin.
