Brandenburger Tor, Berlin

The Brandenburger Tor is a former city gate and the symbol of Berlin. It is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. One block to its north lies the Reichstag. It constitutes the monumental termination of Unter den Linden, the renowned boulevard of Lime trees which led directly to the royal residence.

When the Nazis rose to power, they used the gate to symbolize their power. In 1961, the gate was closed when the Berlin Wall was built. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the gate symbolized freedom and the unity of the city. It re-opened on 22 December 1989 when the West German Chancellor walked through to be greeted by the East German Prime Minister.