Athens on the Spree

Brandenburger Tor

Quick facts about this famous monument in Berlin to accompany the pictures:

The Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor) is a famous monument of peace.

Originally built in the 18th century, it is the only remaining city gate of a series through which Berlin was once entered.

The area around the gate featured most prominently in the media coverage of the opening of the Berlin wall in 1989.

Atop the gate is the Quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. In the original version, the horses were driven by the Goddess of peace.

 

The Gate's design is based on the Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

It was the first "Athens on the River Spree" by architect Carl Gotthard von Langhans.

 

Today, Brandenburger Tor is a celebration venue and a symbol of reunification. The German Unity Day celebrated on October 03 has street performances, stalls, music, food and games around the Gate.