Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate

Landmarks & Monuments
4.8

Address:

4Pariser Platz,
10117 Berlin, Germany

Facts

  • Built: 1788 - 1791
  • Architectural style: Neoclassical 
  • Architect: Carl Gotthard Langhans
  • Sculptor: Johann Gottfried Schadow

About Brandenburg Gate

Erected in the late 18th century, the Gate has witnessed significant historical events and undergone extensive restoration to preserve its grandeur.

Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia and designed by architect Carl Gotthard Langhans, the Brandenburg Gate was completed in 1791. It consists of twelve Doric columns forming five passageways, with a grand central arch flanked by two smaller ones. Adorning the Gate are sculptures and reliefs, including the Quadriga, a stunning chariot-driven by Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, which crowns the structure.

Throughout its existence, the Brandenburg Gate has played a crucial role in Germany's history. It once marked the entrance to the grand boulevard "Unter den Linden" and served as a symbol of peace and prosperity during peaceful times. However, it also bore witness to times of war and division.

During the tumultuous 20th century, the Gate found itself at the heart of historical events. It stood as a silent witness to the rise of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich and the horrors of World War II. Following the war, it came to symbolize the divided city during the Cold War era, standing within the no-man's-land between East and West Berlin, a poignant reminder of the Berlin Wall's existence.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate took on a new role as a potent symbol of German reunification and the end of the Cold War. It became a site of celebration, marking a new chapter in the nation's history.

Today, the Brandenburg Gate remains one of the most visited landmarks in Germany. Tourists and locals alike gather here for various events and celebrations, as well as to reflect on the nation's past and the significance of unity. The Gate's enduring presence continues to symbolize hope, resilience, and the aspirations of the German people throughout their turbulent history, making it an essential part of the nation's identity.

 

Photo Gallery
  • Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
    Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
  • Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
    Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
  • Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
    Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
  • Quadriga on the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
    Quadriga on the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
  • Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
    Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
Brandenburg Gate Q&A
When the gate was built?
When the gate was built? It was commissioned to be built by Prussian King Frederick William II in 1788 and officially opened on August 6, 1791;
What is the history behind the Brandenburg Gate?
What is the history behind the Brandenburg Gate? The Brandenburg Gate was constructed between 1788 and 1791 under the orders of King Frederick William II of Prussia as a grand entrance to the boulevard Unter den Linden. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, the gate is modeled after the Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Throughout its history, the Brandenburg Gate has witnessed many key events, including the Prussian occupation of Berlin, Napoleon's march into the city, and the division of East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
What are the notable features of the Brandenburg Gate?
What are the notable features of the Brandenburg Gate? The Brandenburg Gate consists of twelve Doric columns forming five passageways. The central passageway is reserved for vehicles, while the two smaller side passages are for pedestrians. On top of the gate stands the Quadriga, a sculpture of a chariot drawn by four horses, representing the goddess of victory. Originally, the Quadriga faced east, but after Napoleon's defeat, it was moved to face west, as a symbol of Prussian triumph.
How did the Brandenburg Gate become a symbol of German unity?
How did the Brandenburg Gate become a symbol of German unity? During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate found itself situated within the heavily fortified area of the Berlin Wall. It became a powerful symbol of the division between East and West Germany. However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent reunification of Germany in 1990, the Brandenburg Gate came to represent the country's newfound unity and freedom. It is now seen as a symbol of hope and reconciliation for the German people.
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