Brandenburg Gate Berlin: The City’s Most Popular Landmark
Out of all the important landmarks in Germany, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin stands tall as a symbol of German division during the Cold War and is now a symbol of unity and peace, which makes it among the best attractions in Germany during your Europe Tour.
Before we start with what to expect when you are at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, let’s dive a little deeper into its history and get an insight into its past.
History Of Brandenburg Gate Berlin
The Brandenburg Gate Berlin is a historical place in Berlin that stands as a symbol of reunification for Germany. In terms of architecture, the landmark represents one of the most attractive examples of a Neo-Classical building in Germany.
The Brandenburg Gate was constructed between the years 1788 to 1791 and was Berlin’s first Greek revival building. The Cathedral was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, who was an architect of the Prussian Court. The architecture of the Brandenburg Gate Berlin has been inspired by the Gateway entrance to the Acropolis in Athens, making it a historical place in Berlin.
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is 65.5 meters long 26 meters high and 11 meters deep, supported by two rows of six Doric Columns.
In the year 1793, the gate was crowned by the Quadriga statue, which was designed by the architect Johann Gottfried Schadow. When the Berlin Wall went up in the year 1961, the gate stood as an exclusion in the arc of the Wall and was inaccessible to locals and visitors as well, making it among the most popular places to visit in Berlin.
Quadriga On Top Of Brandenburg Gate Berlin
The Quadriga located on top of the Brandenburg Gate Berlin, was designed by Johann Gottfried Schadow in the year 1793. The sculpture would depict a two-wheeled chariot pulled by four horses that run side by side, symbolizing peace entering the city. The reins of the horses are held by the Goddess Victoria.
As time passed, the statue was taken down from the Brandenburg Gate three times. In the year 1806, after the defeat of Prussia, Napoleon took the Quadriga to Paris but the victory allowance allowed it to be brought back and to be placed in the same place eight years later.
However, during the Second World War, the Brandenburg Gate and Quadtiga were severely damaged due to the excessive bombing, as a result of which the structure had to be disposed of in the year 1956 in the course of reconstruction of the gate and replaced by a copy, making it among best tourist site in Berlin.
Restoration Of The Brandenburg Gate
Since the Brandenburg Gate is located in the city centre, the damage to the substance of the sandstone was inevitable. Besides that, the annual event of New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Brandenburg’s Gate also caused lasting damage to the entire structure.
After having a restoration phase of almost two years, The Brandenburg Gate was restored in the year 2002, and from that onwards it has been a major tourist place in Berlin, attracting people from all over the world.
Suggested Read: Berlin Cathedral: A Glimpse Into History
Brandenburg Gate Opening Hours
You must be wondering about the Brandenburg Gate Opening Hours, well then it remains open from Monday to Sunday. If you want to see the best of it, you should visit the landmark at night and you will understand why it is the best tourist place in Berlin.
Timings: 10:00 to 18:00
Brandenburg Gate Tour Tickets
If you are wondering about the cost of the Brandenburg Gate Tour Tickets, let us break the good news to you there are no entry tickets, you can visit the place anytime you want and explore this masterpiece of architecture.
If you wish to avoid crowded places, you should visit in the early morning or late at night to have the best time with your friends and family.
How To Reach Brandenburg Gate
Let’s see how you can reach this tourist site in Berlin and witness one of the best places to visit in Berlin.
Public Transport
- U-Bahn(Subway): The nearest subway station to the Brandenburg Gate is the U-Bahn, which is just a short walk away from the landmark.
- S-Bahn(Above Ground Trains): The S1, S2, S25, and S26 lines stop at the Brandenburger Tor station, offering easy access to the gate.
Buses
- The TXL bus line runs from Berlin Tegel Airport with a stop near the Brandenburg Gate, which is the Brandenburger Tor.
- 100, 147, and 200 are the other bus lines that stop at the Brandeburger Tor.
Trams
Trams may be less common among tourists, but if you are up for something new, then you can take the M1,12 lines, which is the nearest spot to the Gate.
By Car
If you are planning to drive, you should know that the area is a low-emission zone, so ensure that your vehicle will be eligible for parking. You can park your car near the Potsdamer Platz Car Park.
Useful Tips Before Visiting Brandenburg Gate
- You can use the Berlin Welcome Card which offers unlimited public transport network and several discounts as well.
- The Brandenburg Gate is located in the city centre, which makes it close to other important landmarks, including the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Reichstag Building and Tiergarten Park.
What are the most visited places in Berlin?
Some of the most visited places in Berlin are Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island, Berlin TV Tower, etc.
What happened at Brandenburg Gate?
During the time of World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was a frequent target, which caused massive damage. The Gate has survived the test of time and has witnessed several tragedies.
What is the famous statue in Berlin?
The Victory Column, also known as the Siegessäule is one of the famous statues in Berlin.
Where is the famous Berlin Wall?
The famous Berlin Wall is found in the East Side Gallery at Bernauer Straße.