Reichstag Building (left)
The Reichstag Building was constructed between 1884 and 1894 according to the plans of architect Paul Wallot in the Neo-Renaissance style. It is located on the Platz der Republik, directly on the left bank of the Spree River. Since 1999, the Reichstag has been the official seat of the German Bundestag. Particularly striking is the modern glass dome above the plenary chamber, designed by Foster + Partners after reunification. With its impressive architecture, the Reichstag Building is one of the best-known and most visited government buildings in the world.
Brandenburg Gate (right)
The Brandenburg Gate was built between 1789 and 1793 according to the designs of Carl Gotthard Langhans. This early Neoclassical triumphal arch is located in Berlin's Mitte district on Pariser Platz and is the only surviving one of what were once 18 Berlin city gates. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the gate is now considered one of Germany's most significant landmarks. It is crowned by the Quadriga with Victoria, the goddess of victory, who symbolically brings peace to the city. During the Cold War, the Brandenburg Gate stood directly on the border between East and West Berlin and became a symbol of German division and reunification.