Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz, located in the heart of Berlin, is one of the most iconic and dynamic places in the city. Known colloquially as “Alex,” this vast square is much more than just a passing point: it is a symbol of Berlin’s urban and social transformation, a place that encapsulates centuries of history, from imperial Prussia to the German Democratic Republic (DDR), to today’s unified Berlin. The name “Alexanderplatz” dates back to 1805, in honor of the visit of Tsar Alexander I of Russia to Berlin. However, the square has much older roots, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was a livestock market. In the 19th century, with the construction of the Alexanderplatz railway station in 1882, the square began to develop as a hub of urban and commercial traffic. The architecture of Alexanderplatz has undergone many transformations over the years. In the 1920s, architect Peter Behrens designed modernist buildings that reflected the vibrant atmosphere of the Weimar Republic. However, during World War II, the square was almost completely destroyed by bombings. After the war, Alexanderplatz found itself in the Soviet sector of Berlin and became a symbol of the DDR. In the 1960s, the DDR decided to rebuild Alexanderplatz as a modern and socialist square. The project, carried out under the guidance of architect Hermann Henselmann, transformed Alexanderplatz into a wide pedestrian area surrounded by tall and functional buildings, typical of socialist realism. The Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm), inaugurated in 1969, became the central element of the new design, towering at 368 meters in height and representing a symbol of socialist technological power. The tower not only provided television broadcasts but also offered a panoramic view of the city, symbolizing the surveillance and omnipresent presence of the DDR government. Another significant point of interest is the World Clock (Weltzeituhr), installed in 1969. Designed by Erich John, this monumental clock shows the time in different cities around the world and quickly became a popular meeting point for Berliners and tourists. Its presence adds a cosmopolitan touch to the square, reflecting Berlin’s openness to the world despite the restrictions of the Cold War. Alexanderplatz has also been the scene of crucial historical events. On November 4, 1989, just weeks before the fall of the Berlin Wall, over half a million people gathered here for one of the largest protest demonstrations in the DDR, demanding freedom and political reforms. This event marked a turning point in the movement that led to the end of the socialist regime in East Germany and the reunification of Germany. Despite modernization, Alexanderplatz still retains traces of its past. The subway and tram lines converging here testify to the square’s importance as a transport hub. Additionally, monuments like the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples, built in 1970, recall the era of the DDR and the desire to promote international solidarity.