Brandenburger Tor

The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's only remaining city gate, is the true symbol of the city. It was commisioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent peace. Karl Gotthard Langhans, the Court Superintendent of Buildings, designed the Gate. The main architectural design of this landmark hasn't changed since it was first constructed in 1791. Ironically the gate was incorporated into the Berlin wall during the years of Communist government. Because it was situated in the no man's land just behind the wall, it also became symbolic of the division of the city. After the Fall of the Wall, the Gate was reopened on December 22, 1989.

Due to extensive renovation work, it was covered until 2002. The sandstone construction has 12 Doric columns and is based on the propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens. On both sides, six Doric columns support the 11 meter-deep transverse beam, dividing the gate into five passageways. In 1794 the building was crowned with the quadriga and goddess of victory Nike, looking eastwards towards the city center. The Brandenburg Gate was surrounded by further buildings, which were destroyed in the war.

The Brandenburg gate is probably the most well known landmark in Berlin; it now stands as a symbol of the reunification of the two sides of this great city.

Location:	Pariser Pl, Berlin