Not only is Alexanderplatz Berlin’s biggest public square, but it is also the biggest public square in any German city. Named after Tsar Alexander I, who visited Berlin in 1805, the “Alex” is located in the district of Mitte, Berlin’s center. It is a busy pedestrian zone as well as an important transportation junction. S-Bahn (elevated train), U-Bahn (underground train), buses, trams, and regional trains, all stop at the Alexanderplatz. And if you are a movie buff, it has also been a popular film location with scenes from the recent movie Babylon being shot here.
Alexanderplatz – Post World War II History
In April of 1945, near the end of World War II, the Red Army largely destroyed the plaza during the Battle of Berlin. A thriving black market popped up in the ruins. Police raided Alexanderplatz several times a day, but activities continued. No major redevelopment took place until the 1960s. At that time, still under East German control, the large plaza was turned into a pedestrian zone, and several department stores were constructed along its flanks. In additionk the plaza served as a venue for large celebrations such as the 25th anniversary of East Germany. Later, during the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, the Alex saw the largest demonstration in the history of East Germany. The protests continued and culminated in the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
World clock – Weltzeituhr at the Alex
In 1969, the same year the Fernsehturm (television tower) was built, a sixteen-ton world clock was constructed in the plaza. By reading the markings on its metal rotunda, the time in 148 major cities around the world can be determined. Over time, the world clock has become a popular meeting place and has been declared a historically and culturally significant monument.
World Clock at Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, photo © J. Elke Ertle, www.walled-in-Berlin.com
Attractions near the Alexanderplatz
Many tourist attractions are within walking distance of the Alexanderplatz: The Fernsehturm, the Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft (Fountain of International Friendship), the Nikolai Quarter, and the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall). Shoppers have the opportunity to shop at department stores surrounding the plaza. Every December, several popular Christmas markets set up their booths at the Alex.
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Walled-In is my story of growing up in Berlin during the Cold War. Juxtaposing the events that engulfed Berlin during the Berlin Blockade, the Berlin Airlift, the Berlin Wall, and Kennedy’s Berlin visit with the struggle against my equally insurmountable parental walls, Walled-In is about freedom vs. conformity, conflict vs. harmony, domination vs. submission, loyalty vs. betrayal.
