Brandenburg Gate (left)
The Brandenburg Gate was built between 1789 and 1793 according to the designs of Carl Gotthard Langhans. The early classical triumphal arch is located in Berlin's Mitte district on Pariser Platz and is the only remaining of 18 former 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 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.
Berlin Bear (right)
The Berlin Bear is the traditional heraldic animal of the capital and has shaped the cityscape since the 13th century. The famous bear sculpture on today's A115 near Dreilinden was created by the sculptor Renée Sintenis. The bronze monument stands near the former Dreilinden-Drewitz checkpoint and depicts a young bear standing on its hind legs with outstretched front paws. The figure is about 1.6 meters high; together with the pedestal, the monument reaches a total height of about four meters.