The Brandenburg Gate was built during the period from 1788 to 1791 under the direction of architect Carl Gotthard Langhans. The Brandenburger gate is 26m high, 65.5m wide and 11m deep. Designed in the architectural style of Classicism and built with sandstone from the mountains of Sächsische Schweiz. The gate was erected in memory of King II after his death. Before King Friedrich II abdicated in 1918, only the royal family and their guests were allowed to pass through this gate.

The Structure of The Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate has all 5 passageways, in which the middle road is wider, on both sides are two guardhouses. The gate has a total of 18 columns divided into 3 rows, each row has 6 columns, each column has a diameter of 1.75m below the foot and 15m high. Reigning above the gate is the goddess of victory Victoria on a bronze horse (Quadriga).

The History of The Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate also experienced many ups and downs. There have been many important historical events associated with the history of Germany as well as of Europe.

Before 1918, only the royal family and their guests were allowed to pass through this gate.

During Napoleon's wars throughout Europe, the Quadriga statue was taken to Paris in 1806 but after the fall of Napoleon the statue returned to Berlin in 1814. During Nazi times, the Brandenburg Gate was also abused when Nazi assault units (SA) marched through here. The heaviest damage it suffered was probably during the Second World War, when the Germans repeatedly fired towards the city gates, aiming at the Soviet flag on the quartet.

After the war, the Brandenburg Gate was rebuilt by both the East and West Berlin governments. But on August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected running through the city gate separating the two sides of West and East Berlin, causing many disasters to countless families in Berlin in particular and in Germany in general. So it has become a symbol of the Cold War between the two factions of capitalism and socialism.

The joyful and overwhelming opening of the Brandenburg Gate on December 22, 1989. More than 100,000 people flocked here to celebrate. Perhaps the most important event ever to have taken place at the city gate. It has become a symbol of unification and moreover a symbol of the end of the Cold War between East and West, a bridge to the future of Germany.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup final was held here.

In addition, today, the Brandenburg Gate is also the place for vibrant cultural and sports activities. At the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 European Championship, millions of football fans flocked here to enjoy the round ball on the huge screens. They rejoice with the joy of winning and share the sadness when the home team loses. It really becomes a festival for even those who normally don't care much about football. The 2006 FIFA World Cup final was also here.

The Beauty of Brandenburg Gate

Before stepping through the city gates, spend some time in the Raum der Stille (Silent Room), a simple room where people from all walks of life, of all different religions are invited to leave their prejudices behind and sit together. 

When walking through one of the 5 monumental passages and symbols of Greek mythology, no one will blame if visitors feel overwhelmed; history is still present right here. Check out the bulletin boards that document the gate's history of ups and downs, which have become a stalwart icon in its 200 years of existence. The city gate is always painted with majesty, however, the scenery around here is even more beautiful when the lights are lit every night and on New Year's Eve.

The beautiful Brandenburg Gate at night.

Every New Year's Eve, the Brandenburg Gate glows under the light of thousands of fireworks in the joy of welcoming the new year of more than 1 million Berliners and visitors.

To sum up, the Brandenburg Gate is a must-see attraction for all visitors to Berlin. This is not only the iconic landmark of the city, but also the symbol of Germany, it is also a place where you can learn about the history of the city. A trip to Berlin without passing through the gates of Brandenburg would not be perfect. 

Tags: Brandenburg Gate, Brandenburg, Berlin gate, Germany Brandenburg, travel Germany, Germany gate, Berlin attractions, Germany attractions