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The Reichstag building on Platz der Republik in Berlin has been the seat of the German parliament since 1999. The dome, which was added to the original building, has become one of Berlin’s most often visited attractions and a Berlin landscape. Registe- red visitors enter the building through the western entrance. af- ter passing a security checkpoint, they can access to elevators that take them up on the 24-mrter-high roof.
Brandenburg Gate: The splendid city gate was built in 1791 Botanical Garden: The garden in Dahlem with its beautiful and is the most famous symbol of the separated and now uni- green houses is one of the largest in the world. fied Berlin - a true Berlin highlight! Jewish Museum: The large collection and the impressive Unter den Linden boulevard: Many of Berlin’s most famous architecture of Daniel Libeskind guide visitors through two- sights are located along this boulevard. thousand years of German-Jewish history. One of Berlin’s sights that can also be visited when the weather is bad. Gendarmenmarkt: This beautifully restored square with its impressive buildings is best enjoyed while having a coffee in Kulturforum (Cultural Forum): The Mies-van-der-Rohe- one of the many restaurants around the square. Building of the New National Gallery features famous works of art from the periods of Cubism, Expressionism and Sur- Museum Island: This island, solely dedicated to culture and realism. The Art Gallery features one of the world’s most fa- education, is unique world-wide and listed as a UNESCO mous collections of paintings from the 13th to 18th century. World Heritage site. Most tourists visit the Pergamon Muse- A concert evening at the Philharmonics concert hall built by um. However, Old Museum, New Museum with the Egyptian Hans Scharoun will also be unforgettable. Museum, Bode-Museum and Old National Gallery also fea- ture extraordinary pieces of art. If you ask yourself what is Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam: The unique land of palaces worth seeing in Berlin, here, you will find a lot of it very close and lakes of Potsdam is located right outside of Berlin. Sans- together. souci Palace and its park are a grand total work of art. Con- struction started in 1745 in the most beautiful rococo style Berlin Cathedral: Its largest attraction are the graves and and most certainly worth a visit when you want to see all of splendidly decorated sarcophagi of the royal Hohenzollern Berlin’s highlights. family . From the dome, you have a great view across the city. Potsdamer Platz: Built from scratch, the impressive sky- Hackesche Höfe: Beautifully renovated ensemble of Art Nou- scrapers failed to become Berlin’s new city center but defi- veau buildings with some extraordinary stores and bars. nitely remain a “must see” on the list of Berlin’s sights.
Museum of Natural Science: The huge dinosaur skeletons Zoological Garden: Do not miss out on paying a visit to the are the main attraction of this renowned museum, including 35 hectares-large and most species-rich zoo in the world. the world’s largest brachiosaurus skeleton. The museum is one of Berlin’s highlights and a lot of fun, especially for kids. KulturBrauerei: Nowadays, a lot of cultural events take place in the 20 gorgeous former brewery buildings. Charlottenburg Palace: The former imperial residence of the Hohenzollern family features a lot of valuable works of art.
Dahlem Museums: Cultural treasures from all continents are on display at the world-famous Ethnologic Museum and the
Continued on page 44 / Wikimedia Matern Jürgen Commons Credit: Photo Museum of Asian Art.
43 | Bavarian Times