Torched by Hitler, bombed by Britain and stormed by the Russians, the seat of German power has risen again as a symbol of a united, progressive Germany.
The Reichstag is one of Berlin’s most historic landmarks. Completed in 1894 following the establishment of the German Reich, the neo-Renaissance building’s role as the home of German Parliament was short-lived. In the 1930s, Adolf Hitler blamed a devastating fire in the Reichstag on a group of Communists and radicals, a pivotal moment in his journey towards total control.
After the fire, the building was unused for approximately sixty years. Only after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany was the building restored and reinstated as the seat of the new German government.
Located next to the Brandenburg Gate and adjacent to the Tiergarten, the Reichstag building retains a phenomenal presence to this day, and is a worthwhile visit for any Berlin tourist whether for the historical significance of the site or the architectural beauty on show.
The modern building features a clear domed roof which gives the building a unique, striking appearance. The roof is intended to symbolise Germany’s political shift from tyranny to transparency. Through the centre of the dome is a huge cone-shaped structure containing numerous mirrors, which reflect light throughout the dome and show the inner workings of the parliament to passers-by.
To learn more about the history of this iconic building, pick up a free audio guide on offer at the Reichstag. Or you can join a guided tour to learn about the unique influence the building has had on Germany’s history.
The Reichstag also contains a rooftop restaurant should you be hungry, but it is advisable to book in advance. The Reichstag is right in the centre of Berlin, and thus easily accessible by tram, train and underground.
