Brandenburg Gate

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The gate was modeled after the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Athenian Acropolis.

2. 2

   Napoleon Bonaparte looted the quadriga sculpture in 1806 and took it to Paris; it was returned to Berlin in 1814 after his defeat.

3. 3

   During the Cold War, the gate was inaccessible to both East and West Berliners, situated in the no-man's-land behind the Berlin Wall.

4. 4

   The central passage was originally reserved exclusively for the royal family and their guests.

5. 5

   The structure suffered severe damage during World War II, leaving only one horse head from the original quadriga, which is now in a museum.

6. 6

   The monument features a dedicated 'Room of Silence' located in the northern wing, intended for visitors to reflect on the gate's history.

7. 7

   It is the only surviving gate of the original 18 city gates that once encircled Berlin.

8. 8

   The sandstone used in the original construction was sourced from quarries in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Overview

The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument serving as the iconic symbol of Berlin. Designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans, it was commissioned by Prussian King Frederick William II to represent peace. The structure features twelve Doric columns forming five passageways, topped by a copper sculpture of the quadriga driven by Victoria. It stood in the restricted 'death strip' of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, effectively marking the division between East and West Berlin. Following German reunification in 1990, it transitioned from a symbol of separation to a national emblem of unity. The gate spans 65.5 meters in width and reaches a height of 26 meters. It is constructed primarily of sandstone and underwent extensive restoration in the early 2000s. Today, it serves as the centerpiece for major national celebrations and public demonstrations.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning to experience the archway without large crowds.

• Walk the full length of Pariser Platz to view the gate against the modern backdrop of the surrounding embassies.

• Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Tiergarten park.