REICHSTAG

A concentrate of German history in the heart of the capital and an exceptional view of the city from its glass dome.

Dem deutschen Volke ("To the German People"), the pediment of this symbol of 19th and 20th century German history reads: "Dem deutschen Volke" ("To the German People"). Built by the architect Paul Wallot between 1884 and 1894, the Reichstag was the seat of the Assembly (Tag stands for Diet) during the Second German Empire (1871-1918) and then during the Weimar Republic (1918-1933). In 1933, the building was burnt down and the event was instrumentalized by Hitler. The Nazis therefore set up their pseudo-parliament opposite, in the Kroll Opera House, which has now disappeared. During the Second World War, the Reichstag was severely bombed and was not completely restored until 1970. In 1999, when the German administration decided to reinvest in the historic capital of Germany and its buildings, Christo (who also did a makeover at the Pont-Neuf in Paris) wrapped the Reichstag in silver cloth. Unpacked since then, the building is once again the seat of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) and its all-glass dome, signed by Sir Norman Foster, is the very metaphor of the intention of political transparency. As a result of democracy, the Reichstag is now open to the public, who can happily climb up the dome to contemplate the exceptional view it offers over Berlin. An audioguide, available in French, provides information on the buildings visible from the dome. It is also possible (and highly recommended) to book a guided tour in French to better understand the history of the place or the workings of the German parliamentary system.