Topography of Terror Tour is a guided tour of the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters in Berlin. It is a unique opportunity to learn about one of the darkest periods of modern history and to see how the site has been transformed into a memorial for the victims of Nazi terror. The tour starts at the outdoor exhibition, which gives an overview of the history of the site and the terror apparatus of the Nazi regime. It then proceeds to the indoor exhibition, which focuses on the history of the Gestapo and SS, as well as the lives of their victims. The tour culminates in a visit to the memorial site, where visitors can pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the horrors of the Nazi regime.
History of the Site
The site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters in Berlin was a center of Nazi terror and oppression during World War II. It was the site of many atrocities, including the torture and murder of thousands of people, including Jews, dissidents, and political prisoners. After the war, the site was occupied by the Soviet Union and the building was used as a KGB headquarters. In 1987, the site was returned to the German government and the Topography of Terror exhibition was opened in 2010.
Overview of the Tour
The tour starts with an outdoor exhibition that gives an overview of the history of the site and the terror apparatus of the Nazi regime. Visitors can learn about the SS and Gestapo and the role they played in the terror apparatus. They can also see the remains of the original buildings, including the Gestapo headquarters, which was destroyed in an Allied bombing raid in 1943. The tour then moves indoors to the Topography of Terror exhibition, which focuses on the history of the Gestapo and SS, as well as the lives of their victims. The exhibition includes photographs, documents, and artifacts from the period. Visitors can also view a short film about the site.
Memorial Site
The tour culminates in a visit to the memorial site, where visitors can pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the horrors of the Nazi regime. The memorial site includes a wall of names, honoring the victims of the regime, and a memorial stone, inscribed with the words “Never Again.” The site also includes a museum, which houses artifacts from the period and provides more information about the history of the site and the terror apparatus of the Nazi regime.
Visiting Tips
The Topography of Terror Tour is a unique experience and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Nazi regime. The tour is available in English and German, and visitors should plan to spend at least two hours on the tour. It is recommended that visitors dress appropriately for the weather, as the outdoor portion of the tour can be quite cold in the winter months. It is also important to note that the tour can be quite crowded, so visitors should plan to arrive early in order to get a good spot in line.
Conclusion
The Topography of Terror Tour is a powerful and moving experience that provides a unique opportunity to learn about one of the darkest periods of modern history. The tour provides an overview of the history of the site and the terror apparatus of the Nazi regime, as well as a chance to pay respects to the victims of the regime. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours on the tour and should dress appropriately for the weather.