Like all great cities, Berlin has many monuments, it is difficult to select just ten. These are the starting points for a more in-depth exploration of a city that has played a major role in Europe for several centuries. Berlin is a history lesson, a moral lesson, the best legacy it can offer to the world.

01. Brandenburg Gate

Completed in 1791, this monumental gate opened onto the Avenue Unter den Linden leading to the Hohenzollern royal palace. During the East-West divide, the gate stood dramatically on the boundary between the two zones. Since reunification, it has inexorably attracted visitors throughout the day, where a relaxed atmosphere prevails.

02. Reichstag building

Built in 1894 for the German Empire’s parliament, it was burnt down by the Nazis in 1933, who then established their dictatorial regime. Once Germany was reunited in 1990, it was transformed to house the new parliament, and the spectacular dome was added at that time. Since then, the parliament has become a tourist attraction that can be visited by registration.

03. The Berlin Wall

The Wall was erected in 1961 over a distance of 96 miles, 155 kilometres, enclosing the areas of Berlin under Western control, to stop Germans escaping to freedom. Its fall in 1989 marked the triumph of unity and freedom. Today, the remains of the wall bear witness to human resilience and the desire for change towards democracy.

04. Checkpoint Charlie

This checkpoint for passage between the Soviet and American zones long symbolised the division between East and West, Berlin and Germany. Since reunification, it has served as a reminder of the repressive conditions put in place by the Communist government towards its population. Many of them voted with their feet as they tried to cross over to the West.

05. Museum Island

At the beginning of the 19th century, at the instigation of the Prussian sovereigns, the first museums were built on an island in the heart of Berlin. They continued to grow over the regimes, bringing together numerous collections and leading to the creation of other cultural institutions nearby. The best known is the Pergamon Museum, which is currently being extended.

06. Berliner Dom

Built close to the imperial palace in 1905, the Protestant church was designed to give the capital and the ceremonies held there a special glow. It is crowned by a vast dome, and visitors can access the base of the cupola from where they can overlook Berlin, with Museum Island in the foreground. Around a hundred members of the Hohenzollern family are buried in the crypt.

07. Gendarmenmarkt

The Gendarmenmarkt is a picturesque square in the centre of Berlin. It is home to the French and German cathedrals and the Konzerthaus, which gives it added cultural significance. The elegance of the square also makes it a venue for cultural events. Its harmonious architectural ensemble makes it an attractive centre in the heart of the city.

08. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The church stands at the centre of a busy crossroads in West Berlin. It is a poignant reminder of the destruction suffered during the war. Originally built at the end of the 19th century, its ruined spire serves as a memorial to peace and reconciliation. The modern chapel next door, with its blue glass design, is a symbol of hope and renewal.

09. Kurfürstendamm

Kurfürstendamm, often called Ku’damm, is West Berlin’s most famous shopping avenue. Lined with luxury boutiques, theatres and cafés, it was intended to demonstrate the superiority of the West over Communism. The revival of the Mitte district, and in particular Avenue Unter den Linden, is giving it increased competition today.

10. Charlottenburg

The palace is located a little way from the centre. The residence of the Hohenzollerns was extended several times and is a fine example of Prussian decorative arts, particularly from the spectacular Baroque period. The buildings and interiors were meticulously restored after the destruction caused by the war, as were the ornamental gardens inspired by Le Nôtre.