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The Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's only
remaining city gate, is the true symbol of the city. It was
commisioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent peace. Karl
Gotthard Langhans, the Court Superintendent of Buildings, designed
the Gate. The main architectural design of this landmark hasn't
changed since it was first constructed in 1791. Ironically the
gate was incorporated into the Berlin wall during the years
of Communist government. Because it was situated in the no man's
land just behind the wall, it also became symbolic of the division
of the city. After the Fall of the Wall, the Gate was reopened
on December 22, 1989.
Due to extensive renovation work, it was covered until 2002.
The sandstone construction has 12 Doric columns and is based
on the propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens. On both sides,
six Doric columns support the 11 meter-deep transverse beam,
dividing the gate into five passageways. In 1794 the building
was crowned with the quadriga and goddess of victory Nike, looking
eastwards towards the city center. The Brandenburg Gate was
surrounded by further buildings, which were destroyed in the
war.
The Brandenburg gate is probably the most well known landmark
in Berlin; it now stands as a symbol of the reunification of
the two sides of this great city.
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