Reichstag
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Of all the buildings in Berlin, the Parliamentary Building is probably one of the most symbolic. The mighty structure, erected in 1884–94 by Paul Wallot as the proud manifestation of the power of the German Reich, was destroyed by arson in 1933 and bombed during World War II. In 1996, the artist Christo wrapped up the Reichstag and, in 1994–9, the British architect Sir Norman Foster transformed it into one of the most modern parliamentary buildings in the world. Today it is the official seat of the Bundestag, the German parliament.
Berlin governmental buildings (see Modern Buildings)
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1. The Cupola
The new Reichstag cupola by Sir Norman Foster affords breathtaking views of Berlin. It is open at the top to air the building and – a touch of irony here – to allow for the dissemination of debates throughout the country. A ramp winds its way up to the top.
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2. Plenary Hall
The newly designed plenary hall is the seat of the Deutscher Bundestag, the German parliament, which has convened here again since 20 April 1999. Technologically, the hall is one of the most advanced in the world. The federal eagle caused a row: considered too “fat”, it had to be slimmed down.
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3. Portico “Dem deutschen Volke”
The dedication “To the German People” was designed in 1916, against the will of Wilhelm II.
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4. Restored Façade
Despite extensive renovations, small bullet holes from World War II are still visible in the building’s façade.
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5. Restaurant Käfer
This luxury restaurant next to the cupola on the Reichstag’s roof offers an excellent view of the historical centre of Unter den Linden. It is very popular and you may well have to wait for a seat (see Restaurants & Cafés) .
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6. Installation “Der Bevölkerung”
Hans Haacke’s work of art “To the People” is a counterpoint to the portico inscription opposite.
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7. Memorial by Dieter Appett
Unveiled in 1992, the memorial commemorates 97 Social Democratic and Communist Reichstag delegates who were murdered under the Third Reich.
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8. The German Flag
The giant German flag was first raised on the occasion of the official national celebrations of German reunification on 3 October 1990.
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9. Platz der Republik
Celebrations often take place on the lawn in front of the Reichstag, most recently in 1996, when the building was wrapped up by Christo.
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10. Memorial for Victims of the Wall
Opposite the southern side of the Reichstag, a memorial recalls the Berlin Wall, which ran only a few steps away from this spot. One of the crosses commemorates Chris Gueffroy: shot in February 1989 when trying to escape, he was one of more than 100 people who died at the Wall.
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The Reichstag gives you a great view across the city - and the best thing is that its free! Admittedly, you may have to pay with your time as the queues can be quite long but there are a couple of ways to get ahead: 1. Take some kids. The queue is patrolled by government guides and on the couple of times we visited with the kids, they pulled us out of the queue and let us used the disabled entrance - voila - direct to the lift. 2. Book a table in the restaurant. If you have a reservation at the Käfer Restaurant (Tel 030 22629935), you can also jump the queue. Just be aware that the prices here are not cheap. 3. Go early (or even late). Arrive about a half hour before opening. If you are in town for a few days, it is also worth checking out late in the day, when most bus tours have moved on. The advantage of a late viewing, particularly in the darker months is the spectacularly lit views you get, notably the Brandenburg Gate. Once you have made it to the roof, take your time to read the information on the boards before going up the winding ramp. (Make sure you take the correct ramp as it is a one-way system). At the top, the views are great - very nearly as good as those from the TV Tower (Fernsehturm), but from here you can see the detail on the western parts of the city so much better.
about 6 months ago
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