The Last Couple Of Things On Our List
Our last day in Berlin found us trying to tick off the last couple of must-dos on our list. We visited the Reichstag (where Germany holds its political functions) and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
We had to register online for the Reichstag, ASK for a time slot for entrance, wait for permission, go through a serious security check, and then be herded in very small groups through the complex.
The Reichstag has been in use since the late 1800s. It's been bombed, set fire to, reconstructed, renovated, and reimagined as the seat of Germany's government. But it's the dome that draws in millions of tourists. A simple beehive-looking dome springing from the center of the building affords a 360 degree view of the city. Fabulous!
And once you're at the top, it's open to the sky, much like the oculus at the Parthenon.
We had to register online for the Reichstag, ASK for a time slot for entrance, wait for permission, go through a serious security check, and then be herded in very small groups through the complex.
The Reichstag has been in use since the late 1800s. It's been bombed, set fire to, reconstructed, renovated, and reimagined as the seat of Germany's government. But it's the dome that draws in millions of tourists. A simple beehive-looking dome springing from the center of the building affords a 360 degree view of the city. Fabulous!
And once you're at the top, it's open to the sky, much like the oculus at the Parthenon.
For the German People
Up on the rooftop of the building - a stunning facade.
Lovely fall trees across the way.
The backside of the Brandenburg Gate
Open to the sky
Looking down from above. The Parliament meets below the cone.
I'm surprised birds don't dip in. I mean, I'm glad...but I'm still surprised.
From the Reichstag heading west, we saw the Victory Memorial
And at the far west end of the Tiergarten (think Central Park) we came to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
Bombed to near extinction, the nave of the church still stands as a memorial to its congregates and to the city of Berlin. Surrounding this old (and incredibly gorgeous) church, is a new church and bell tower...but they really don't hold a candle to this magnificent relic. The mosaic work alone is worth letting it stand.
This is all that's left
What it used to look like
Once a lovely rose window
Love this pieta
It's just so beautiful...but I have to admit, I felt like any moment something could crumble and fall.
Tomorrow we take the train back to Prague for a final day before catching a flight home on Sunday. It's been a great trip, and I'll do a wrap up post Saturday. Thanks for playing! Prost!
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