Unter den Linden, Berlin

Bebelplatz is a city square which was the site of the Nazi book burning for which a memorial, a clear panel sitting at ground level through which empty book shelves can be seen, has been constructed. The buildings around the square are very impressive and include the Alte Bibliothek (built in 1775 as the royal library and now part of Humboldt University), St-Hedwigs Kathedrale (Catholic Cathederal completed in 1778) and Staatsoper (Opera House completed in 1743). The interiors of St-Hedwigs Kathedrale and the Staatsoper are very worthy of a visit, tours of the Staatsoper can be booked in advance. You cannot miss the equestrian statue of Frederick the Great (completed 1851) on Unter den Linden near Bebelplatz. While your in the square your not that far from Gendarmenmarket, a beautiful city square, which you might want to incorporate into your walk down Unter den Linden.

The Deutches Historisches Museum built in 1706 is one of many historical buildings to be viewed on a walk down Unter din Linden. I have seen it stated that the Zeughaus is the oldest buiding on Unter den Linden. It's original role was that of an arsenal but it now operates as the german historical museum. At this point in time the museum is not fully operational due to major construction works being underway. Check out the web site provided to see the current building works status and what is on offer.

Strictly speaking this church it is not on Unter den Linden but rather behind the Kronprinzenpalais which is. It is well worth a short detour to visit it. Completed in 1830 but destroyed in WW2 and re-built it now does not function as a church but rather as a museum. The contents are in honour of architect/city planner Karl Friedrich Schinkel responsible for the design of a number of the cities buildings / monuments / boulevards / squares, including Friedrichswerdersche Kirche itself and the Altes Museum. While the prime emphasis is 19th century sculptures, there are other items of interest a lot of which revolve around Schenkel. When I visited Friedrichswerdersche Kirche it was open six days a week, closed each Monday. The picture was taken feom the top of the Berliner Dom. You can also see part of the Schlossbrucke (Bridge) that leads over the river onto the start of Unter den Linden and the first building on Unter den Linden the Alte Kommandatur (Old Army Headquarters).

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Alte Kommandatur (Old Army Headquarters) us located at number 1 Unter den Linden. It was destroyed in WW2 and only recently reconstructed based on a model to become the headquarters of a German company, Bertelsmann AG. The original Alte Kommandatur was built in 1653 and added to in 1874. The building does not get much of a mention in any of the litrature I utilesd before my trip but it interested me when I saw it and given it was number 1 in the street I wanted to know more of it's history. To the left of the building you can see part of the Schlossbruke (well known ornamental bridge) and to the right part of the buidings neighbour to Kronnprinzenpalais (Crown Princes Palace). The Friedrichswerdersche Kirche (Former church now utilised as a museum specialising in sculptures) situated behind Alte Kommandatur is well worth a visit.

The former Crown Prince's Palace is one of many buildings to be viewed on a walk down Unter din Linden. The original building was completed in 1669 as a residence but was significantly added to in future years to bring it up to palace standards for Crown Prince Friedrich in 1773 and again in 1857 for Emperor Friedrich III. The building was destroyed in WW2 so what we see now is a reconstruction true to the original. At present it is used for exhibitions so it is well worth to investigate if it has anything of interest planned for when you are in Berlin. In recent history it is noteworthy for the fact that the pact for reunification was signed here in 1990. The Prinzessinnenpalais (Princess palace) is next door and worth a visit, it contains the opera café.

Walking down Unter den Linden from Museumsinsel (Museum Island) will lead you to Pariser Platz and Brandenburger Tor. Not only do you get a great walk down this famous avenue and all it's historic buildings but you finish at a spot where there is plenty more to explore. Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) is a well known Berlin icon while Pariser Platz is home to a number of embassies, bank buildings and the Hotel Aldon. Continue in the same direction and you heading for the Tiergarten and the Siegessaule (Triuphal Column) but as their some distance off you may prefer to go to the Reichstag (Parliament) which is in close by.

Walking down Unter den Linden from Brandenburg Gate will lead you to Museumsinsel (Museum Island). Not only do you get a great walk down this famous avenue and all it's historic buildings but you finish at a spot where there is plenty more to explore. View the Altes Museum (pictured), Lustgarten (part of which is in picture), Alte Nationalgalerie, Pergamonmuseum, Bodermuseum, Berliner Dom, Schlossbruke (bridge to museum island), Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathederal), Schlossplatz and Palast der Republik (East German Parliament building). Walk a bit further and you will arrive at Alexanderplatz at the foot of the Television Tower.

For more than 400 years, the avenue Under the Limes has been the the most famous avenue in Berlin. Originally used as the approach to the palace in 1575, it was the setting for great pomp and ceremony during reigns of the Prussian kings and the Kaisers. In their own times, the Nazis and the Communists recognized its symbolic value. As you walk along under the lime trees keep am eye out for former Soviet Embassy, the National Library, statue of Frederick II and the Palace of Wilhelm I.