Brandenburg Gate (left)
The Brandenburg Gate was built between 1789 and 1793 based on designs by Carl Gotthard Langhans. This early Neoclassical triumphal arch is located in Berlin's Mitte district at Pariser Platz and is the only surviving one of what were once 18 Berlin city gates. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman structures, the gate is now considered one of Germany's most significant landmarks. It is crowned by the Quadriga with the goddess of victory, Victoria, 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.
Bellevue Palace (right)
Bellevue Palace is located on the edge of Berlin's Tiergarten directly on the Spree River and has been the official residence of the German Federal President since 1994. The Neoclassical palace was built in 1785 and 1786 based on designs by Michael Philipp Boumann as a summer residence for Prince August Ferdinand. After suffering severe damage in World War II, the building was faithfully reconstructed. Bellevue Palace owes its name to the "beautiful view" of the surrounding park landscape. Today, the white palace is one of Germany's most famous political buildings.