Potsdamer Platz, Berlin

Potsdamer Platz is a symbol of both the past and the future for Berlin, Germany. During the 1920s and 1930s, Potsdamer Platz was a bustling and important Berlin attraction in not just Germany, but in all of Europe. Public transportation was routed through Berlin Potsdamer Platz and there were more cafés, movie theaters, and bars than you could count. However, in 1943, during the second World War, Potsdamer Platz was reduced to rubble during Allied bombing raids. The square became no-man"s land between the Russian, American, and British quarters of the city. Potsdamer Platz was completely destroyed in 1961 with the building of the Berlin Wall.

However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz became the site of a massive construction effort during the 1990s. Including the original square, as well as several nearby blocks, Berlin Potsdamer Platz was redeveloped. The blueprint was to create multiple landmark towers, a shopping arcade, some residential buildings and an entertainment center. The goal was to turn Potsdamer Platz back into a commerce center and into one of the best tourist attractions in Germany. They succeeded magnificently.

Upon visiting this Berlin attraction, you"ll notice several large buildings dominating the view. Both the Debis Tower and the Sony Center are attention-grabbers with their towering height and graceful architecture. The Sony Center contains an Imax theater. Nearby, the Kohlhof building has a high observation deck--providing a remarkable view of Berlin Potsdamer Platz.

Film lovers will delight in Potsdamer Platz. Approximately forty screens are available across three different cinemas. Also available in this Berlin attraction is a film academy and museum.

Both the shopping arcade and entertainment center have rejuvenated the area around Berlin Potsdamer Platz. Due to its historical significance, first as a major square and later as no-man"s land, it is still more like one of the many tourist attractions in Berlin than a typical German square, however, the increased construction of residential buildings nearby is aiding in the return of Berlin Potsdamer Platz as one of Europe"s foremost squares. Over 70,000 visit Potsdamer Platz each day, which has surprised the harshest of critics, and making this one of the biggest tourist attractions in Berlin.