Berlin never reached the heights of other imperial capitals in the age of empires. Even today it compares poorly both with other capital cities in Europe and with other German cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne. As a united country, Germany is young. It only became one country in 1871, after Bismarck's forces crushed Napoleon III's armies in the … [Read more...] about Berlin, the sexy city that’s full of quirks and contrasts
Berlin
Brandenburg Gate – the heart of Berlin
If there is one single thing that says Berlin, it has to be the Brandenburg Gate. Opened in 1791 as a symbol of peace, the Brandenburg Gate has come to say Berlin in the same way as the Eiffel Tow- er says Paris, Big Ben says London and the Harbour Bridge says Sydney. Its 12 Doric columns in a neo-classical design echo the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. On top is a … [Read more...] about Brandenburg Gate – the heart of Berlin