One of the absolute highlights in the Balkans (which includes the following countries :: Albania, Bosnia + Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and the geographical/political region of European Turkey), this city has everything from breathtaking views, historic buildings, ancient architecture and ridiculously gorgeous natural wonders. Dubrovnik is a one-of-a-kind city that should definitely be at the top of your travel itinerary, especially because the weather there remains amazing long after summer is gone. So you can comfortably travel there after many tourists have taken their kids back home for the new school year.

Side Note ::
Dubrovnik was a stop on a 14-day cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean (and may I just add :: the BEST cruise itinerary I’ve ever taken. EVER.) departing out of Istanbul and stopping in Ephesus, Corfu, Mykonos, Athens, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Civiteveccia (Rome), Livorno (Florence), Nice/Villefranche, Provence (Marseilles) and ending in Barcelona. 12 stops, with only 2 full days at sea. What an amazing cruise that was and I would take it again in a heartbeat if it was still available (unfortunately the cruise lines took Istanbul off of their itineraries for safety reasons after the bombing at the US Embassy there). My plan is to write about each and every one of those fascinating cities in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

Back to Dubrovnik, it happened to be a super hot day at the end of August but Roydio and I were determined to walk (and climb and climb!) the Walls of Dubrovnik which took us all the way around Old Town. OMG. The heat definitely made it a challenge but it was beyond worth it! It took us longer than the estimated time of 2 hours not only because of the heat (rest and water!) but also because I stopped at every turn to capture literally EVERYTHING I could in the short time we were there! I wish we’d had much, much more time…

Fort Lovrijenac

Also known as St. Lawrence Fortress or Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar this 16th century seaside fortress is made of limestone and hosts theatrical performances outside the western wall of the city. I’m told that several seasons of Game of Thrones was filmed here.

The Croatian leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series takes place in Lovrijenac. Two drawbridges lead to the fort and above the gate there is an inscription Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro “Freedom is not to be sold for all the treasures in the world.”

Cost :: Included in the cost of Walls of Dubrovnik entrance 54.79USD Click here for tickets.
Hours :: 8am to 7:30pm
Location :: Od. Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik

St. John Fortress

Also called Mulo Tower St. John is one of the key forts in Dubrovnik built to protect the entrance to the port but currently the large interior of the fortress houses the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum and Aquarium. From the intriguing exhibits one can gain insight to why and how Dubrovnik Republic was so successful in its trade endeavors and how Dubrovnik became a wealthy merchant Republic.

Cost :: Click here for info about and tickets for the walking tour of Dubrovnik which includes St. John Fortress
Hours :: 8am to 7:30pm
Location :: Poljana Paška Miličevića, 20000, Dubrovnik

Stradun

Stradun, the 300-meter limestone-paved pedestrian “main street” through Old Town, is surrounded by the Walls of Dubrovnik. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares, the Stradun boasts many cafés and restaurants and is a great place to rest weary feet after a day touring Dubrovnik and also do one of my fave pastimes :: people-watching.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: most of the streets in Old Town lead to Stradun

Dubrovnik Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is its formal Roman Catholic name and is the seat of the Diocese of Dubrovnik. Beneath the Cathedral nearby archaeological excavations have revealed the foundations and walls of two older churches. The first was an early Christian basilica built sometime in the 7th or 8th century. Some say that this “new” church was financed by Richard the Lion-Heart on his return from the Third Crusade.

Cost :: Entrance is free and open to the public; ticket to enter the treasury is 2EU
Hours :: 9am to 5pm most days
Location :: Ul. kneza Damjana Jude 1, 20000, Dubrovnik

Tvrdava Minceta

Tvrdava Minceta is a 14th century fortress located on the north part of the walls facing toward the land at the highest point of Dubrovnik which offers a panoramic view of the city and Adriatic sea. Minceta is a large round fort with a massive base in the form with the Gothic crown sitting proudly on top.

Minceta is the very highest point in the Dubrovnik defense system, the name taken from the Mincetic family who were the owners of the ground where the tower was built the construction of which started in 1319 according to the design of architect Ranjina. You’ll be able to get some pretty fantastic views from this vantage point.

Cost :: Included in the entrance to the Wall (approx 30USD) or Click here for info and tickets on the Walking Tour
Hours :: 8am to 7:30pm daily
Location :: Ul. Ispod Minčete 9, 20000, Dubrovnik

Large Onofrio’s Fountain

Onofrio is a circular spring-water fountain built between 1438 and 1444 with carved stone masks out of which you can fill your water bottles any time of the day or night. Dubrovnik’s famous Big Fountain of Onofrio is probably the best known of the city’s many historic monuments.

Fresh spring water is available to the public from this and many other fountains around Dubrovnik. And it is certainly much needed if you’ll be there when the temperatures are as hot they were when we were there.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Pojana Paska Milicevica, 20000, Dubrovnik

Pile Gate

For centuries Dubrovnik’s famous Pile Gate is the north/main entrance to Old Town Dubrovnik. and is still the most interesting access point to this fabulous old city, formerly surrounded by a moat complete with a drawbridge built in 1537. Carved into the gate is a statue of Sveti Vlaho (St. Blaise), the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Ul. Grata od Pila, 20000, Dubrovnik

King’s Landing

King’s Landing is the main filming location for the very popular television series “Game of Thrones.” The tours will take you to some of the locations used in the filming of this award-winning series.

If you’re a fan of the show this is a MUST do. Especially since they aired its final episode just last month on May 19, 2019.

Cost :: Click here for tickets to the 22.84USD small group walking tour
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Brsalje ul. bb, 20000, Dubrovnik

Dominican Monastery

In Gothic-style architecture this religious complex / museum was founded dating back to 1225 however actual use of the building did not occur until the 14th century and the bell towers were not added until the 18th century. 

The Dominican Monastery is one of the most important architectural parts of Dubrovnik and major treasury of cultural and art heritage there as the museum of the monastery exhibits many paintings, artifacts, jewelry and other items from the rich history of Dubrovnik.

Even with the many tourists who linger here it is a very peaceful place in which it is easy to reflect what it must been like in that time in the 14th century. Surreal, really.

Cost :: Entrance to the museum is 15 Kuna
Hours :: 9am to 6pm
Location :: Ul. Svetog Dominka 4, 20000, Dubrovnik

Sponza Palace

Also called Divona, “Sponza” in Latin means “the spot where rainwater is collected.” Designed in both Gothic and Renaissance architecture this 16th century palace was built between 1516 and 1522. The palace has served a variety of public functions, including as a customs office and bonded warehouse, mint (until after the fall of the Republic), armory, treasury, bank and school. It is currently home to the city archives (in terms of volume one of the largest in the world) which hold documents dating back to the 12th century. The palace is also currently used as a performance venue. And a memorial of Croatian soldiers killed in the last war is housed in there. 

The details in the architecture are stunning.

Cost :: Free to enter inner court; Treasury costs 2EU
Hours :: 8am to 7pm
Location :: Stradun 2, 20000, Dubrovnik

Cafe Buza

If you love drinking ice cold beer, lazing in the sun and cliff jumping into the crystal clear Adriatic ocean then you’re in for a treat. Is this what the original “dive bar” was named after?

Hanging out at a Buza Bar is definitely one of those things that you have to do if you come to Dubrovnik but there are a few things you may want to be prepared for before you go :: Buza Bar is no longer the the secret it used to be so it gets very crowded. The servers aren’t the friendliest (probably because they want to get people in and out as quickly as possible) and the bar serves only drinks, no food. You’ll pay about 6.50USD for a beer. And it may not be cold as they advertise. And they will serve your wine in a plastic cup. If you’re ok with all of that, make sure you bring water shoes to climb the rocks if you plan to dive in the water!

To find these epic spots, walk the main old town street clockwise around past all the shops and restaurants. You will eventually walk past a small doorway/hole in the wall (literally!). There is spray paint on the wall inside reading “NO TOPLESS” (HA!) that leads around to the right – you should be able to hear the music! This is Buza Bar 1 and it is the larger of the two. It has much more space for sunbathing and tables & chairs for chilling out. But be prepared for some seriously uncomfortable sunbathing! As you’ll find a lot in Europe, rocks and concrete slabs are known as their beaches. Remember, you’re coming for the experience!

Cost :: menu pricing
Hours :: 8am to 10pm
Location :: Crijevićeva ul. 9, 20000, Dubrovnik

Franjo Tudman Bridge

Originally designed to begin building in 1989 the process on the Franjo Tudman Bridge was halted due to the Croatian War of Independence. When it finally did open in 2002 this 1700-foot-long lopsided cable-stayed bridge was named after Croatia’s first president after its independence from Yugoslavia and cut the drive west from Dubrovnik by 20 minutes. If you park at the lot on the far side of the bridge you will get a wonderful view of Gruž Harbour and the Elafiti archipelago.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 24 hours
Location :: Suspended over the Rijeka Dubrovacka, near the Port of Gruz

There are TONS of other sites to see in Dubrovnik but it is impossible to even scratch the surface on a one-day cruise stop. What I enjoy about cruising is that you are exposed to many different destinations that one day you can go back to and spend more time. Croatia is one of those destinations to which I will return again and again I’m sure of it!

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What a beautiful and picturesque place Dubrovnik is! It has all the history and architecture and culture and texture that I seek to find on my travels. My heart was full this day. The gelato was so refreshing and super tasty (one of the best I’ve had outside of Italy) and Roydio really enjoyed the iced coffee here! So happy that this city was on our cruise itinerary.

Update :: We flew back to Croatia on a trip to Europe, this time to Split, where we spent a little more time and also had the opportunity to visit the surrounding areas including UNESCO World Heritage Site in Trogir. Such a beautiful and interesting place. I’ll be writing about that trip in a future post so stay tuned for more on Croatia!

The post Dubrovnik Croatia :: A Must-See Gem in the Balkans appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

We spent three days in Liverpool in a pretty awesome AirBnb so that was definitely a good start. It was fairly near to all the attractions we wanted to see in Liverpool with easy access to public transportation.

HOHO Bus

The best way I’ve found to see an entire town no matter where you find yourself in the world is on the HOHO bus. Hop On Hop Off. It has a silly name but it describes exactly what it is :: you have the option of getting on and off whenever and wherever you want. Well, at each of the stops on their route, that is. And depending on the city you’re in they may have several routes.

What I did when I first arrived in Liverpool to make sure I’d see all the attractions I was interested in seeing was to take the HOHO around the entire route. I made a mental note (or took a picture) of what I wanted to see more in detail and then, on the second time around, I got off there. After I’d seen what I wanted I then hopped back on or walked to the next spot. For one affordable fare you can see many of the popular sites to see. Surprising to me was the fact that Liverpool really does have a LOT to offer!

Cost :: 14.59USD for 24-hr ticket (i.e., buy it at 2pm Monday and it’s good until 2pm Tuesday). Click here for tickets.
DEAL :: Click here to get tickets for river cruise and HOHO bus combo.
Hours :: The first tour leaves the Royal Albert Dock at 10 am and runs every 30 minutes from each stop until the last tour leaves the dock at 4:30 pm.
Location :: Click here for stops.

Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is Britain’s largest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the grand opening in 1978 as “a triumphant proclamation of hope” and it was named “one of the great buildings of the world” and “a city site of world importance.”

The site was originally that of St. Peter’s Church but was over the years reconstructed as LAC is now. If you’re interested in reading about its entire history click here.

Cost :: Entrance is free; donations are accepted. The “Tower Experience” will cost 5.50EU or 14.50EU per family. Click here for more details.
Hours :: 8am to 6pm
Location :: St James Mount, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 7AZ

Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is Britain’s largest Catholic Cathedral, opened in 1967 and man is it impressive! The cathedral’s architect, Frederick Gibberd, was the winner of a worldwide design competition held by the Union of International Architects. MCCL is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Cost :: Entrance is free; donations are accepted.
Guided tours are also free but suggested donation is 3EU per person. Click here for more information.
Hours :: 7:30am to 6pm
Location :: Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ

Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery located side-by-side to the World Museum and Central Library holds a stunning collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts spanning over six hundred years.

Cost :: Free general entry – Special Exhibitions vary between 2 to 9EU. Check with WAG for details.
Hours :: 10am to 5pm
Located :: William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EL

Central Library

The largest of the 22 libraries in Liverpool is situated beside the World Museum and the Walker Art Gallery in the center of the city. What a gorgeous building! The 72-foot walk up contains engravings of famous titles of books, movies and music. From what I’ve heard therein also lies a riddle or a secret code if you will :: look for the letters in RED. If you’re aware of the riddle, let me know!

The library collection holds tomes dating back 800 years, including handwritten letters by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Florence Nightingale and even a childhood essay by Paul McCartney.

Cost :: Entrance is free and open to the public
Hours :: Mon-Fri 9am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
Location :: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW

St. John’s Gardens

Such a peaceful and serene park named after John the Baptist. The gardens are part of the William Brown Street conservation area and comprises one of the two open spaces within Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: Open 24 hours
Location :: St George’s Pl, William Brown St, Liverpool L1 1JJ

World Museum

The World Museum has really cool exhibits, revealing millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities.

Cost :: Entrance is free; donations are welcome.
Hours :: 10am to 5pm, except on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1 when it is closed all day.
Location :: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN

Aquarium

The Aquarium at World Museum has a wonderful variety of fish – one of the most popular attractions at the museum for sure.

Cost :: Free and open to the public
Hours :: 10am to 5pm, except on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1 when it is closed all day.
Location :: inside World Museum at William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN

Radio City Tower

View the fantastic skyline of Liverpool and beyond from the very top of St. John’s Beacon, home to Radio City.

Cost :: 4.50 to 6.50EU
Click here for combo tour including Mersey Ferry, Beatles Story, Radio City Tower and Cavern Club.
Location :: 1 Houghton St, Liverpool L1 1RL, UK

Epstein Theatre

Epstein Theatre re-named in memory of Liverpool’s most successful music entrepreneur and Beatles manager Brian Epstein, whose portrait hangs pertinently in Brians Bar. Brian was renowned for his contributions to the city’s cultural and music scene. Brian once also worked there when it was called Crane’s Music Hall. The theatre has featured a wide range of live entertainment for over 100 years.

Cost :: Prices vary, based on show. Buy tickets online or call them at 0844 888 4411
Location :: Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ

Liverpool City Center

With 5 shopping centres, 2 department stores and over 400 shops – you’ll find party wear, gifts and goodies for everyone and every budget in Liverpool city centre.

Cost :: Open to the public
Location :: Road access to Merseyside is excellent with the motorway network making access to central areas quick and easy. From the M6 follow the M56 or M62 to Liverpool.

Chinatown

You know by now that it is pretty inevitable that I have to find the Chinatown for Roydio wherever we go. And Liverpool was no different.

The food at New Capital on Nelson Street was delicious. England is known for having a wonderful assortment of international cuisine throughout and Liverpool certainly lived up to the reputation.

If you walk down Nelson Street at the right time, you can even hear the clatter of Mahjong tiles, with groups of people gathered round to play together. The area is also notable for its Chinese-style architecture; with the paifang (gateway structure) on Nelson Street being the largest, multiple-span arch of its kind outside of China.

Cost :: Free to enter and open to the public – restaurants and shops incur various prices

Location :: South of the City Center near Liverpool Cathedral on the following streets :: Bailey, Berry, Corwallis, Cummings, Duke, Griffiths, Knight, Nelson, Roscoe, Sankey, Seel, Upper Duke

Crown Hotel

The Crown Hotel is a public house (or pub) recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated World Heritage listed 3-story building built in 1905 in Art Nouveau style. It is constructed in brick with some stucco and has marble facing on the ground floor and much stained glass. It is definitely a sight to see if you are into architecture.

Cost :: Menu pricing
Location :: 43 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JQ

The Pumphouse

You won’t have visited Liverpool without seeing one of the most distinctive buildings on the Albert Dock – The Pumphouse – with awesome views of the Mersey. A traditional cozy British pub with outside seating which is great place to sit on a sunny day.

Cost :: Menu pricing
Location :: The Colonnades, Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AA

Liverpool Philharmonic Dining Room

Liverpool’s Philharmonic Dinging Rooms is an ornate Victorian pub with wood paneling, rich tiling, leather sofas, stained glass and chandeliers where John Lennon used to hang out when he lived in Liverpool.

Cost :: Menu pricing
Location :: 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX

The Wheel of Liverpool

The 196-foot observation wheel has 42 capsules (one is a luxury VIP pod with a glass floor and leather interior) designed to give a 360* panoramic view of Liverpool and the Mersey River has become a known landmark in Liverpool near the Echo Arena. It was struck by lightening in 2013 but sustained no damage.

Cost :: 6.50-10EU, VIP pod 70EU (max 4 people) includes champagne and chocolates
Location :: Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN

Pier Head and Waterfront

The Pier Head (properly, George’s Pier Head) is a riverside location in the city centre of Liverpool and part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site as I mentioned earlier, which was inscribed in 2004. As well as a collection of landmark buildings, recreational open space and a number of memorials (such as the Beatles’ statue above) Pier Head was (and for some traffic still is) the landing site for passenger ships travelling to and from the city.

Cost: Free and open to the public
Location :: Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1BY

Mersey Ferries

If you’re an “oldie” like me you’ll fondly remember the song by Gerry and The Pacemakers called “Ferry Across the Mersey” and it will bring great memories of days gone by. It’s fun to hear the song being played while you’re on the ferry. Kind of surreal.

Cost: Various – click here for details and tickets
Location :: Pier Head, George Parade, Liverpool L3 1DP

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City

LMMC is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the waterfront in Liverpool and is comprised of six locations throughout the centre of the city which relate to a different component and time in the Liverpool’s maritime history.

Cost :: Open to the public
Location :: The Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO site includes The Pier Head known as the “three graces” buildings Liver, Port of Liverpool and Cunard, The Albert Dock, The Stanley Dock Conservation Area, Duke Street Conservation Area/Ropewalks, The Commercial Quarter/Castle Street Conservation Area and The Cultural Quarter/William Brown Street Conservation Area.

Architecture

I saved this subject for the end of this post because it just so happens to be my very favorite reason for visiting Liverpool. The architectural stylings throughout Liverpool represent that of the past 300 years, while next to nothing remains of its medieval structures which would have dated back as far as the 13th century.

Built in 1716-17 as a charity school, Bluecoat Chambers in School Lane is the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool.

There are over 2500 “listed” buildings in Liverpool. A listed building is one considered to be of special architectural, historical or cultural significance and which is protected from being demolished, extended or altered, unless special permission is granted by the relevant planning authorities.

Due to the city’s rich architectural history Liverpool has been described by English Heritage as England’s finest Victorian City. And OMG I can really see why! I so enjoyed this aspect of Liverpool!

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As I said before I was surprised at what a great city Liverpool is. I am completely smitten by Liverpool’s architecture! Along with the other amazing attractions in Liverpool (I only touched on a few of my faves but there are many, many more, including the Beatles’ attractions mentioned above) I think you will really enjoy it too!

The post Liverpool Attractions You Seriously Shouldn’t Miss appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Deciding on a Berlin walking tour, our guide is pretty amazing. She was a university student working her way through school giving tours of East and West Berlin. Informative and helpful, she showed us the places in Berlin that I really needed to see before I even realized I needed to see them. It was a pretty emotional learning experience for me. I was so caught up with what I was seeing as I walked the streets of Berlin that I found myself lagging behind the group and at one point lost them. HA! I’ll tell you about that a little later.

But when I returned home after this amazing Berlin walking tour I felt the need to dig my head into the history books. OK, maybe not the books but I went online. [I am so thankful for the internet where you have access to information about anything and everything … right at your fingertips. Literally.]

And I’ve included some of what I learned here in this post. You’re welcome.

Stop #1 :: Hackescher Markt

Our Berlin walking tour started near Hackescher Markt which is a complex comprised of eight interlinked courtyards. It has residential apartments, offices, shops and restaurants and is one of the most visited locations in Berlin-Mitte (central).

We immediately headed over the bridge to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And we walked through an absolutely beautiful covered walkway.

And here is a bronze model of Museum Island.

Stop #2 :: Old National Gallery

The Old National Gallery is one of five museums are located on Museum Island.

During the division of Germany the 19th-century paintings that had survived the war were housed in the New Gallery starting in 1968. After the fall of the Berlin Wall the growing collections were united in their original building now called the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery). The building was closed for reparations on the damage the war had caused in 1998 as well as the addition of new rooms. The Old National Gallery re-opened in 2001 marking its 125th anniversary.

What remains are some of the columns, wrought with bullet holes, that reveal how violent a time it was and what Berlin has come through. It was surreal to see this.

Stop #3 :: Altes Museum

Also on Museum Island you will find internationally renowned Altes Museum, one of the most important buildings of the Neoclassical era.

The monumental eighteen ionic columns, the expansive atrium and inviting staircase, the rotunda adorned with antique sculptures and an explicit reference to Rome’s Pantheon :: such signs of architectural refinement had previously only ever been seen in buildings designed for royalty and nobility. Definitely a highlight on this Berlin walking tour.

Today the museum showcases its permanent exhibition on the art and culture of the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Until 1845 it was called the Royal Museum. The building itself is stunning and is in a great location.

Stop #4 :: Berliner Dom

Last stop on Museum Island is this magnificent neorenaissance-style Berliner Dom [Cathedral] which is relatively new, inaugurated in 1905. There is a large open lawn with a fountain across the street that’s great for a picnic or just taking a break in the gorgeous surroundings.

Tip :: This Berlin walking tour did not include a trip up to the top of the dome. I really wish I had made time on our way back to go up. I hear the view from there is unmatched. So I definitely recommend you do it.

Stop #5 :: Deutsches Historisches Museum [DHM]

Back on the mainland, the next stop on our Berlin walking tour was the DHM which is comprised of two buildings :: the old building was constructed between 1695 and 1730 and is one of the oldest surviving structures in Berlin. The modern annex was built between 1998 and 2003, dedicated to the DHM’s temporary exhibitions.

I was lucky to get a great shot of the old and new with the Berliner Dom between in the background.

Stop #6 :: St Hedwig’s Cathedral

Located on the Bebelplabtz this was the seat of the Archbishop of Berlin built between 1747 to 1773 and the most important Catholic sacral building in the city. The church was Berlin’s only Catholic house of worship until 1854 and the oldest Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese.

The Church was an important resistance center during WWII :: Father Bernard Lichtenberg who headed the movement was assigned as pastor and referred to as the “gutter priest from Berlin” by SS second-in-command Reinhard Heydrich due to his work amongst the poor in 1920’s Berlin.

Lichtenberg was considered a nuisance for his public and outspoken denunciation of Nazi concentration camp conditions and openly addressed the treatment of his Jewish brothers and sisters in his sermons. Today he is remembered as one of the German heroes of the Holocaust and is buried in the Crypt. I wish our Berlin walking tour had brought us there.

Stop #7 :: Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz is a public square in the Mitte district best known for the infamous Nazi book burning ceremony of 1933 where 20,000 books were burned. The blacklisted authors included Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Heinrich and Klaus Mann, Rosa Luxemburg, August Bebel, Bertha von Suttner and Stefan Zweig. Many of the vilified and persecuted writers had already left Germany and gone into exile when the book burning took place.

Bebelplatz was named after August Bebel, a founder of the Social Democratic Party in the 19th century.

A glass commemorative plate set into the ground reveals symbolic empty bookcases large enough to hold 20,000 books that were burned at the behest of the Nazis.

Stop #8 :: Deutscher Dom

What the locals call Bundestag aka “New Church” on the Gendarmenmarkt is located across from the French Cathedral built between 1701-1708. Deutsche Dom was destroyed in the bombing of WWII and rebuilt between 1977-1988. The dome was topped by a statue symbolizing the victorious virtue.

Such a magnificent piece of architecture.

Stop #9 :: Checkpoint Charlie

Our Berlin walking tour next brought us to Checkpoint Charlie which is one of the 3 crossing points [named A Alpha, B Bravo, C Charlie] from East to West Germany after the construction of the Berlin Wall and a symbol of the Cold War. By 1962 it became the only crossing point.

It was also the venue of a standoff between America and the Soviet Union with their tanks facing each other on either side of the checkpoint when an American diplomat was refused a visa soon after the building of the Wall. 

A replica of the original booth stands with a sign that says “You are now leaving the American Sector…” on the opposite side of the sign that says “You are now entering the American Sector…”

Stop #10 :: Berlin Wall

Constructed by the German Democratic Republic [GDR, East Germany] starting on 13 August 1961 the Wall cut off West Berlin [by land] from virtually all of surrounding East Germany and East Berlin until government officials opened it in November 1989. Between 1961 and 1989 the Wall prevented almost all such emigration.

The wall symbolized the lack of freedom under communism. It symbolized the Cold War and divide between the communist Soviet bloc and the western democratic, capitalist bloc. Berlin was on the frontline in the Cold War struggle between the superpowers.

It’s unbelievable to me that all this was going on in my lifetime and ongoing even after I graduated from high school. We didn’t really study much of this in school as I remember or perhaps I just wasn’t paying attention to politics back then. I do remember when the Wall came down but there was so much going on in my life that I just didn’t realize or feel its impact. I don’t have many regrets in life but I do regret not caring more about this when it was happening. I am thankful that this Berlin walking tour opened my eyes.

Stop #11 :: Topography of Terror

The Gestapo and SS headquarters was the building where people who were regarded as a threat to the Nazi regime were questioned, tortured and killed. Only the cellars survived the WWII bombings. In 1987 a group of students excavated the cellars of the Gestapo Headquarters with their bare hands and the objects they found there form the outdoor exhibition that is today known as the Topography of Terror. The museum aims to show the world how people were tortured to death without a fair trial by a totalitarian regime. There is also a covered exhibition complex and a library adjacent to the outdoor display. 

The Topography of Terror Museum is a monument to liberty and the aim is to illustrate that democracy and civil rights need to be defended on a daily basis. It chronicles the war crimes committed by the Nazi regime in a blatant abuse of power.

Stop #12 :: Hitler’s Bunker

It is surreal to say the least to find yourself standing on the spot where the final collapse of the Third Reich played out just a 3-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate. It compelled me to dig deeper into this horrific time in history and subsequently found this easy-to-read account of that time. If you’re interested you will find some really great detailed information about Hitler and his Nazi regime here.

I reached down onto the ground and picked up a rock that will serve as a reminder to me that I am so blessed to live in a free country and never have to suffer under communism.

Stop #13 :: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

This was the most awe-inspiring stop on our Berlin walking tour. Also known as the Holocaust Memorial :: a 19,000 square meter site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs, one for each page of the Talmud arranged in a grid pattern. Apparently the slabs are designed to produce an uneasy, confusing atmosphere. An attached underground “Place of Information” holds the names of all known Jewish Holocaust victims. The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was inaugurated on May 10, 2005, sixty years after the end of World War II, and opened to the public on May 12 of the same year.

It was here that I was so entranced in the thought of these innocent people being slaughtered that I didn’t realize how much time had gone by. I was really emotional and the reason for the video. I couldn’t even imagine being in that environment at that time in history. And to think this occurred in my lifetime, not that long ago.

When I finally realized that I was no longer with the group I began walking toward where I “thought” we were supposed to meet up. HA! I was walking in the opposite direction. About 10 minutes later I see Roydio walking toward me with his hands up in the air. “Where were you?” “Right here,” I said. “I knew you’d come looking for me!”

Normally I would have been panic-stricken at the thought of being lost in a foreign city. Roydio certainly was. But that day all I had in my mind was the thought of this horrific event that was the demise of over 6,000,000 Jews. And to think some say the total persecutions at the hand of the Nazi’s comes closer to 17,000,000. I have the memory of what happened here engrained in my heart and I will never forget.

I said a prayer for all of the families who suffered under this evil. God help us to always remember so that it never happens again.

Stop #14 :: Pariser Platz

The Pariser Platz was a grand square located behind Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate with many important buildings surrounding it. It was laid between 1732 and 1735 and was simply called “the square” at first, before being renamed in honor of the services of the Prussian army in the defeat of Napoleon. Notable structures that flanked the square were the French and American Embassies, the Academy of Arts and the Aldon Hotel which was once the finest in Berlin at the time.

In divided Germany the square was an abandoned space that divided Berlin. Today, Pariser Platz is being restored to its former glory by the city government.

Pariser Platz is an important tourist meeting place in unified Berlin. Many walking tours start or end here. Visitors can rent bikes for touring and take horse cart rides around the city from here.

Stop #15 :: Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate flanking the square is an important monument, Berlin’s best-known landmark and a symbol with over two hundred years of history. After the Berlin bombings during WWII the Brandenburg Gate was severely damaged by bombing raids and artillery fire yet remained standing.

Brandenburg Gate as a symbol of unity

The Brandenburg Gate [Brandenburger Tor] is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. Vehicles and pedestrians could travel freely through the gate until the Berlin Wall was built on August 13, 1961. The Wall was erected cutting off access from West Berlin.

However, it was here that on June 12, 1987 Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: “Mr. Gorbachov :: tear down this wall!” The speech delivered to West Berliners was also audible on the east side of the Gate. When the Revolutions of 1989 occurred and the Wall fell the gate symbolized freedom and the desire to unify the city of Berlin.

How can I describe Berlin? Interesting. Beautiful. Horrific. Infamous. Monumental. Awe-Inspring. Tumultuous. Mind-blowing. Unforgettable.

I was surprised to have come away with such reverence and awe after experiencing Berlin for the first time. I came away with more questions than answers. It was like taking a course in university but never passing the exam for a lack of understanding. The walking tour really inspired in me the need to dig deeper into the throes of this city’s history. Some of what I learned is in this post but there is so much more…

“…traveling :: it changes you.”

Berlin is one of those cities in the world that is dichotomous. On the one hand I left awestruck and sad. And on the other hand I was glad to have gained more knowledge and empathy for those who suffered so much after visiting this iconic place. Does that make sense? This is one of the things about traveling :: it changes you. And your world expands as you travel and is as big as you want it to be.

Some of the places I’ve traveled have touched me deep down in my soul. Berlin definitely is one of those places for me. If you get the chance to visit Berlin I highly recommend it. Perhaps it will change you too…

Read Also ::

10 Other Things That Make Berlin Special

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