ALEXANDERPLATZ
Named after Alexander , this imposing square is packed with tourists, souvenir stands and vendors.
The Alex, as the Berliners call her, owes her name to Tsar Alexander I of Russia, who visited Berlin in 1805. A simple cattle market in the 17th century, then an exercise ground, it entered the world of literature in 1929 with the publication of Alfred Döblin's famous novel, Berlin Alexanderplatz. A showcase for the communist regime of the GDR after the Second World War, it was once the beating heart of East Berlin. Today it is the nerve centre of Berlin, and above all a major station for subways, trains, trams and buses. Not far from the square is also one of the city's largest shopping centres, the Alexa, which is huge and sanitized. In winter, the square is transformed into a Christmas market with an ice rink.
Alexanderplatz is a bit of a medley of 20th century architecture. The oldest building on the square is the Berolinahaus by the architect Peter Behrens. Built between 1929 and 1932, it is an example of the construction of the "New Objectivity" movement. You will also see the tower of the Park Inn Hotel, inaugurated in 1970. It is not a beautiful square, but a vast restructuring plan is aimed at upgrading it. To be continued.
Don't miss to take a close look at the Urania world clock. Inaugurated in 1969 and renovated in 1997, it is 10 metres high and gives the current time of the main cities in each time zone. It has 24 sides, each corresponding to a time zone. Above the clock is a representation of the solar system.
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