 The Brandenburg Gate is a work of art that is meant to represent peace. It measures 23 m high, 65 m wide and 11 m thick, and was first constructed in 1789-1791. (Ironically the gate was incorporated into the Berlin wall during the years of Communist government). The Brandenburg gate is probably the most well-known landmark in Berlin, and it now is a symbol of the reunification of East and West Berlin. When the Nazis took over Germany in the 1940's, the gate became a symbol for fascist Germany. Torches in hand, the Nazis marched through the gate and down the avenue ... it became Hitler's favorite parade route. During World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was seriously damaged; it was restored in the 1950's by the governments of East and West Germany. However, in August 1961 the Brandenburg Gate was closed off by armed forces of East Germany, and the construction of the Berlin Wall began. From 1961-1989 the Brandenburg Gate was located in the no-man's land between East and West Berlin, and became a symbol of Berlin as a divided city. Then in 1989 when the borders between the two German countries were opened, the gate became a symbol of German reunification. Now the Brandenburg Gate is one of the main attractions in Berlin, although only taxis, buses and officials are allowed to drive through it. |