Germany has an ancient Roman history as well as pioneering innovations that make their mark today, evidenced by numerous UNESCO-listed destinations. Behold the 19th Century Gothic beauty of Cologne Cathedral; follow Martin Luther’s steps at Wartburg Castle; or explore life under DDR rule at one of Germany’s Trabant Museums.
Here are 12 historic places in Germany worth exploring.
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin’s most iconic symbol is undoubtedly the Brandenburg Gate, also serving as one of its main entrances. This historical landmark stands as a powerful reminder of how Germany emerged from warring factions to become one nation.
The Gate is composed of twelve Doric columns arranged six on either side, creating five roadways for citizens to use. At its centre sits Victoria – Roman goddess of victory! Driving her chariot of four horses.
The Brandenburg Gate survived World War II despite suffering extensive damage. One horse head from its Quadriga survived bombings and can now be seen at Markisches Museum as a reminder of Berlin’s turbulent history. Today it stands as a symbol of peace; often serving as a backdrop for celebrations or speeches.
Reichstag
Germany is renowned for its impressive architecture and construction projects spanning from medieval structures to fairytale castles, which can be found across its numerous UNESCO-listed historical places. Roman ruins as well as Dachau Concentration Camp can help illuminate Germany’s unique past and offer insight into this remarkable nation.
The Reichstag is home of Germany’s parliament and was once an icon of democracy. Nowadays, however, visiting this remarkable building serves more as a reminder of Germany’s turbulent history – particularly during Nazi rule – than simply admiring its architecture.
Bamberg’s Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason; its historic castles and half-timbered houses provide an immersive journey through Germany’s past. Wartburg Castle stands as an idyllic medieval fortress and was Martin Luther’s pre-Reformation residence according to UNESCO. Holstentor Gate – another one of Bamberg’s historic gates – can even be found featured prominently on two Euro coins! With so much beauty and rich history all around you, there’s plenty to explore within Bamberg itself!
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Denkmal fur die Ermordeten Juden Europas–locally known as Denkmal fur die Ermordeten Juden Europes–has become one of Berlin’s top tourist attractions. Also referred to as The Holocaust Monument in English, its 2,711 gray, slightly sloping concrete stelae are spread out over 19 acres (8,000 square meters) of undulating ground.
Peter Eisenman designed a field of stelae that is enhanced by “The Place of Information,” a museum that chronicles persecution and extermination of Jews across Europe. Comprised of four thematic rooms–Dimensions, Families, Names and Sites–this institution gives visitors insight into individual victims through historical photos and documents.
The memorial has been visited by presidents, royalty and dignitaries from around the world – including Ivanka Trump, Prince William of Cambridge and Duchess Cornwall. Its proximity to both Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag speaks to Germany’s commitment to acknowledging and taking responsibility for its dark past.
Typography of Terror
Germany’s history can be seen through its many landmarks that dot its landscape. From the neoclassical charm of Brandenburg Gate to the sobering memories associated with Berlin Wall Memorial, these historic sites serve as reminders of how turbulent its past has been.
The Topography of Terror (Topographie des Terrors in German) is a museum and memorial located on Niederkirchnerstrasse formerly Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse that housed key institutions of Nazi persecution and terror between 1933 and 1945, including Gestapo headquarters, SS leadership headquarters and Reich Security Main Office offices. While other museums focus on victims, this one also portrays perpetrators.
Visits to the Topography of Terror can be profound experiences that may be difficult to process, yet catharsis and memory-inducing all at the same time. Yet visiting such an important monument of remembrance can serve to remind us never again to allow such atrocities happen.
