Explore the Iconic Reichstag in Berlin: A Must-See Historical Landmark

Reichstag Berlin is a historic building in Berlin, Germany. It is located on the banks of the Spree River, near the Brandenburg Gate. The Reichstag was the seat of the German Parliament from 1871 to 1945 and was the site of the famous fire of 1933, which was used by the Nazis to blame the Communists for the arson. After World War II, the building was restored and in 1999 it became the home of the German Bundestag, the lower house of the German Parliament.

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History of the Reichstag Building

The Reichstag building was originally built in 1894 by the architect Paul Wallot. It was designed in the neoclassical style and featured a large dome that was visible from all sides of the city. The building was the seat of the Imperial Diet, or the German Parliament, from 1871 to 1933. During this time, the building was used for a variety of political and cultural events, including the proclamation of the Weimar Republic in 1919 and the election of the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949.

The Reichstag building was severely damaged during World War II and was not restored until the reunification of Germany in 1990. In 1999, it became the home of the German Bundestag, the lower house of the German Parliament. The building was renovated and modernized in a process that was completed in 1999, and the building now features a glass dome, which was designed by the British architect Norman Foster.

Famous Fire of 1933

The most famous event to take place in the Reichstag building was the fire of 1933. On February 27th of that year, a Dutch communist named Marinus van der Lubbe set fire to the building. The fire was used by the Nazis as an excuse to blame the communists for the arson and to suspend civil liberties. This event marked the beginning of the Nazi’s grip on power in Germany.

The Glass Dome

The most prominent feature of the Reichstag building is the glass dome that was added in 1999. The dome was designed by the British architect Norman Foster and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Berlin. The dome is made of steel and glass and is open to the public, who can take an elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The dome is also a popular destination for tourists, who can take guided tours of the building and learn about its history.

Visiting the Reichstag

The Reichstag building is open to the public and visitors can take guided tours of the building and learn about its history. The building is also home to a restaurant and a café, which are open to visitors. The Reichstag is also a popular destination for political rallies and protests, and visitors can often see large crowds gathered in front of the building.

Tours of the Reichstag

The Reichstag building is open to the public and visitors can take guided tours of the building and learn about its history. The tours are offered in both English and German and include a visit to the glass dome, the plenary chamber and the Paul Wallot Hall. The tours are free and can be booked online or in person at the Reichstag building.

Accessibility

The Reichstag building is wheelchair accessible and there are elevators that can be used to reach the glass dome. The building also has an accessible restroom and a hearing loop system for visitors with hearing impairments.

Nearby Attractions

The Reichstag building is located near a number of other popular attractions in Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall. There are also a number of museums, restaurants and shops in the area.