Berlin, the capital and largest city of Germany origins to the 13th century. Initially it was as a small trading settlement on the banks of the River Spree. Over the centuries, it evolved into a significant urban center and the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia.

The 18th century marked a transformative period for the city, as Frederick II the Great, expanded the city and established it as a cultural hub. In this period, the construction of key landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden boulevard, took place.

In the 19th century, the city played a pivotal role in the unification of Germany. Following the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, Berlin became the imperial capital under Kaiser Wilhelm I.

The 20th century brought significant challenges and transformative events to Berlin. The city endured the devastation of World War I and the economic hardships of the interwar period. The rise of the Nazi regime led to Berlin becoming the capital of the Third Reich, with monumental structures like the Reichstag and the Olympic Stadium reflecting the regime’s architectural ambitions.

As the consequence the city endured heavy bombardment during the Second World War and was then divided for nearly half a century – physically and ideologically – into East and West by the Berlin Wall. Built in 1961, the Wall became the defining feature of Cold War Berlin, severing communities, families, and a nation

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 became a symbol of reunification, ending decades of separation and division. Berlin became the capital of a reunified Germany in 1990. Ongoing urban development projects revitalized the cityscape.

Berlin retains several key sites that reflect its Cold War division. The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is the most comprehensive and historically preserved section of the former border. It includes a stretch of the original wall, a watchtower, and an extensive documentation centre, offering a sober, educational insight into the realities of life in a divided city. In contrast, Checkpoint Charlie -once the best-known border crossing between the American and Soviet sectors – functions today mainly as a symbolic and tourist-oriented site. While its historical importance remains significant, what stands there now is a reconstruction rather than original infrastructure, accompanied by displays recounting dramatic moments of East–West confrontation.

Berlin’s central axis is defined by Unter den Linden, a historic boulevard lined with key cultural and governmental institutions. It leads to the Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century neoclassical structure that has served as a symbol of both division and unity in German history.

Nearby stands the Reichstag, the seat of the German parliament. Severely damaged during the 20th century, it was restored and modernised after reunification, with a new glass dome by Norman Foster symbolising democratic transparency. Adjacent to it is the modern parliamentary complex, including the Chancellery (Kanzleramt), reflecting the architectural ambitions of the reunified capital.

Just across the River Spree lies Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the city’s central railway station – an expansive glass-and-steel structure inaugurated in 2006, serving as a major national and international transport hub.

To the north-east lies Museum Island (Museumsinsel), comprising five major museums, including Pergamon and the Old Museum with collections ranging from ancient civilisations to 19th-century European art. Adjacent to it stands the Berlin Cathedral, a Protestant church from the late 19th century. You will get there following Unter den Linden opposite the Brandemburger Tor.

In the eastern part of the city, Alexanderplatz remains a key commercial and transport hub. Towering above it is the Fernsehturm (TV Tower), constructed in the 1960s as a showcase of the GDR’s modernity. At 368 metres, it remains the tallest building in Germany.

In the west, Charlottenburg Palace offers a glimpse into Berlin’s royal past. Originally built for Queen Sophie Charlotte, the baroque residence and its formal gardens reflect the tastes and aesthetics of Prussian court life in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Museum of Islamic Art at Pergamon Museum