The Reichstag building is one of the most important historical sites in Berlin. The construction was completed in 1894 following the establishment of the First German Empire, with neo-Renaissance architectural style. Since its construction, the building had not been considered a German symbol until 1916 when the words “Dem Deutschen Volke” (meaning The Germans) were engraved on the front of the building.

The Reichstag Building at night

The Reichstag Building had originally been used as the Parliament building until 1933, when it was severely damaged in a fire. Adolf Hitler blamed the burning of the Reichstag on the Weimar Republic Government, taking complete control of the government on the side of Nazi Germany. For the next 60 years, the building was mostly a ruin. In 1945, the building became the main target of the Soviet Red Army because the building was located in a favorable position for propaganda. After World War II, the West German Parliament was located in Bonn and the building remained in dilapidated condition. Until 1961, it was renovated, and the renovation completed in 1964. The building still retains historical vestiges, such as: bullet holes on the front or graffiti of Soviet soldiers. In the 19th century, the German government began to locate here.

The Reichstag Dome

The glass-domed building, located opposite the parliamentary chamber, designed by the architect Norman Foster, is meant to symbolize the change of political institutions from tyranny to transparency of the new Germany. The dome is open to the public to visit, as a reminder to the public to "place above" the politicians sitting below. Soaring in the dome is a pinecone-shaped mirror structure that reflects light, increasing the building's energy efficiency and reflecting back to the parliament floors below. The building also has a rooftop restaurant and pre-booking is recommended here. Some other attractions near the Reichstag include the Monument to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Monument to the Roman and Sinti Victims of Socialism.

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