Is it Possible to Visit the Berlin Wall?
Due to this fact, Berlin Wall remains an iconic structure that was used to signify division as well as reunification. But what about visiting it? Can you actually observe this symbolic object? As of the writing of this blog post, we will be answering this question and giving you all the information you need concerning it.
The History of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was erected in the year 1961, as a barrier between East and West Berlin in the cold war period. Rhe was a symbol of the political divide of the east and the west all through the world. This wall was strengthened and closed over a distance of 96 miles, around the West Berlin aiming at making the East Berlin residents not to move freely into the West Berlin.
Years later in 1989, the wall came crashes down as many protested as well as political changes occurred. This is significant in the aspect that it did not only symbolize the literal breaking down of a barrier but also the joy of freedom for Germany as a nation and for the rest of the world.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
Today of course marks the renamed wall and it cannot be seen in its entirety but parts of it still can be seen. The Berlin Wall Memorial can be defined as an institution whose primary goal is to prevent the forgetfulness of such historical event.
The place, situated at Bernauer Strasse, enables one to see the original reconstructed barrier and has an open-air display that presents information concerning the lives of people that were affected by the barrier. This memorial is open for public and offers a good deal of information that make a visit emotionally inspiring.
East Side Gallery
The second famous place for observation of the Berlin wall is the East side Gallery. This is situated on one of the sections of the remaining wall and they contain additional artwork and murals done by astronauts from different parts of the world.
The East Side Gallery stands as an art, but it is much more than art as it is the hope, expression and unity. Using ideas from the source material, it is possible to mark many of the murals as representing ideas and reflecting the post-wall era’s history.
Checkpoint Charlie
One of the other places that can be visited to obtain a vision of the Berlin Wall is Checkpoint Charlie that was one of the most popular crossing points between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. However, in the present day, there is no longer the direct checkpoint itself, but there is a renewed house as well as the guardhouse.
Apart from that, this is a popular туристическая аттракцион which gives people a glimpse to the extent of suffering from those who attempted to cross the borders during division and it also has a strong message about freedom and unity.
Visiting Tips
When visiting the Berlin Wall, it is wise to consider the following factors:
- Ensure that you check for the opening time and the cost of the fee for each place of interest.
- It is recommendable to dress casually and wear appropriate shoes for walking if you decide to visit Berlin Wall Memorial or East Side Gallery.
- Before leaving the brochures, do not forget to go through the information plaques and try to understand the history behind them.
- If one wants a more tangible way of getting to really know the advancement and to know how it really feels for the families that are affected by this division, then a persuasive way to do so is to take a guided tour.
- Do not perform any unsuitable actions or draw on any articles or structures that can offend the places and their importance.
In Conclusion
Indeed, one can still travel to see the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Although the section of the wall that was photographed does not exist today in one piece, there are various parts of the wall that are still visible in Berlin with great historical background regarding the wall. The Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side gallery, Checkpoint Charlie and many more are the historical places which play an important role in reminding that Germany was once divided but is now reunified.
Travel as early as you can, allocate enough time for the tour and, show respect to the wall and its victims. The Berlin Wall signifies freedom, unity and the victory of the real human spirit or what we call as the spirit of freedom.
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