Pariser Platz

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• View of Pariser Platz from the Akademie der Künste.

• Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate is filled with tourists.

• Snow falls in the evening at the Brandenburg Gate and transforms Pariser Platz with its Christmas tree into a winter wonderland.

Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate was the border between East and West Berlin until the fall of the Wall. Today it is one of the most visited squares in Berlin, not least because of the Brandenburg Gate.

A cheerful babble of voices in different languages buzzes across Pariser Platz (Paris Square) in Berlin-Mitte. Every visitor to Berlin passes by here at least once, as the Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin's most important landmarks, stands on the edge of the square. On the other side is the boulevard Unter den Linden, Berlin's oldest promenade.

Pariser Platz was laid out in 1734 by the architect Philipp Gerlach. It was created at the same time as Leipziger Platz and Mehringplatz. According to its shape, it was originally called Quarree (French for square). It was given the name Pariser Platz on the occasion of the conquest of Paris by Prussian troops during the Wars of Liberation. Initially built with aristocratic palaces, the buildings were unified in the classicist style around 1850. During a redesign in 1880, the square was given two decorative flowerbeds and a fountain.

Pariser Platz and its peripheral buildings were badly damaged during the Second World War. During the division of Germany, the border ran across Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate. Many of the damaged buildings were demolished during the division of Germany. After reunification, it was completely rebuilt. There were intense discussions about the way in which this was to be done. Reconstruction began in 1993 with the Senate's requirement to combine historical elements and modernity in the buildings. In 2002, Pariser Platz became a pedestrian zone, making it possible to relax and linger.

Sights at Pariser Platz

Although the Brandenburg Gate is undoubtedly the most famous sight on Pariser Platz, there is much more to see. The Hotel Adlon was rebuilt in its original style after its destruction, despite much criticism. The conservative appearance was seen by many as a harbinger of a new traditionalism. However, the luxury hotel has not been rebuilt true to the original, but is merely based on the historical model. Guests staying here not only enjoy good service, but also an exclusive view of the Brandenburg Gate. The Brandenburg Gate is flanked by the new buildings by Josef Paul Kleihues: Haus Sommer and Haus Liebermann are reminiscent of the destroyed predecessor buildings by Stüler.

The glass façade of the Academy of Arts forms a contrast next to the Adlon. It is one of the oldest cultural institutes in Europe and is dedicated to promoting various arts. Exhibitions and cultural events take place regularly. Equally impressive is the DZ-Bank building, which conceals an imaginative interior behind its austere façade. The French and US embassies are also located on Pariser Platz.

Information

• Address:
  Pariser Platz 3
  10117 Berlin
  City map