35 years since Fall of the Berlin Wall, a city once divided is now resilient

West Berliners crowded in front of the Berlin Wall on November 11 1989, watching East German border guards demolishing a section of the barrier. (Photo: Gerard Malie/AFP/AFP via Getty Images)

On 9 November 1989, when the Berlin Wall was brought down, it ended the partition and cold war between the East and West of the city, leading to the unification of Berlin. This year there will be guided tours and exhibitions at different venues to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

A good place to start the history tour would be in the Mitte District where the Berlin Wall Memorial is located on the former border strip. The Memorial gives a surreal experience of the life of the people when Berlin was divided. To celebrate the 35th anniversary, visitors will be able to download a new digital guide that will be available in multiple languages.

Berlin Wall memorial at Potsdamer Platz, Mitte, Berlin. (Photo Wikimedia Commons)

Located opposite Berlin Cathedral is the DDR Museum that showcases how German Democratic Republic (GDR) or East Germany functioned. As part of the anniversary celebrations, original portions of the Palace of the Republic will be exhibited here.

DDR Museum, Berlin. (Photo: Visit Berlin

Located in Pariser Platz or Parisian Square which is a well- known square of Berlin is the legendary Brandenburg Gate. Its neo-classical architecture has graced many social media platforms. It is the only surviving city gate and has witnessed the partition of Berlin into East and West. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gate became a symbol for unified Berlin.

The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1961 to 1989, separating it from East Berlin and the German Democratic Republic. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

In 1961, when the wall was built, Brandenburg Gate became inaccessible to Berliners and visitors since it was located in an exclusion zone of the wall. 22 December 1989 was a momentous occasion when the gate was publicly opened and people celebrated a joint New Year’s Eve at this gate in unified Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate at night, Berlin. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Located in central Berlin, the Marienkirche or St. Mary’s Church and its surrounding area mark the oldest spots of the city. This medieval Church is famous for the fresco painting known as the Dance of Death which depicts people who died during the 1484 plague, dancing.

Mitte, Marienkirche or St. Mary’s Church, Berlin. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Near the Church, is the imposing City Hall popularly known as Rotes Rathaus on account of the red bricks that were used for its construction. The building has a tower that is 74 metres in height. There are a number of interesting rooms inside including the pillared hall where exhibitions are held. This hall contains busts of personalities. When Berlin was divided by the wall, it was East Berlin’s Town hall. Since the last 33 years, Rotes Rathaus houses the Mayor’s office for unified Berlin.

Another iconic landmark located within walking distance from Rotes Rathaus is the Berlin TV Tower. It was inaugurated in 1969. The 368 metres high TV Tower which was erected during GDR no longer represents East Germany. It signifies the city of Berlin. It is Europe’s highest building allowing access to the general public. Head to the viewing platform that offers panoramic views or dine at the revolving restaurant by reserving a window table.

Berlin Fernsehturm, or Berlin TV Tower. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

In the Friedrichshain neighbourhood, one can get to see the original Berlin Wall covered with paintings. Known as East Side Gallery, it is the world’s longest open-air gallery. The Spree River flows near this open air landmark where 118 artists representing 21 countries unleashed their creativity. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, these artists painted almost hundred paintings covering 1.3km of the Wall.

Berlin Wall remains (the other side of the East Side Gallery) in Berlin-Friedrichshain, since 2013 used for temporary exhibitions. (Photo Wikimedia Commons)

Foot Notes

Lufthansa flies from New Delhi, Mumbai Bengaluru and Chennai to Berlin with a layover at Munich or Frankfurt. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

• Germany requires a Schengen visa. It costs about Rs 10,000 inclusive of courier service and VFS service fee.
• Lufthansa flies from New Delhi, Mumbai Bengaluru and Chennai to Berlin with a layover at  Munich or Frankfurt.
• The duration of the flights is about 11 hours, 50 minutes.
• The best time to visit Berlin is from May- September.
• For travelling within Berlin, opt for the Berlin WelcomeCard which gives you unlimited access to the city’s public transport of S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses and trams as well as 180+ discounts at attractions.