Berlin - Potsdam Square
Super-modern, unconventional business buildings shape the picture of Potsdam Square. The area was completely renewed in the 1990s, because the 2nd World War and the following division of Berlin destroyed nearly everything. A big part of the area was not enterable after the division of the city because of "no-man's land", a death stripe belonging to the wall along here. The reorganisation of the place began immediately after the German reunification. Several big corporations established gigantic business centres here. During this tim, Potsdam Square was the biggest building site in Europe and a tourist attraction. An info box offered a look at the building site and informed visitors about the land-use plans. Today, the spectacularly roofed Sony Centre and the Potsdam Square Arcades are among the most popular tourist destinations in this, the capital city of Germany. Shopping areas, cinemas, cafés and the film museum of Berlin attract numerous guests. The Berliners, however, are still a bit reluctant to embrace the area. Before the 2nd World War, this was completely different. Potsdam Square was one of the busiest and most important intersections in the city. Two long-distance railway stations were located here and numerous short-distance lines crossed the streets. Magnificent hotels, big department stores, and shops as well as an amusement center provided for a lively atmosphere day here and night. The division of the city ended the central importance of the square. It was reduced to marginal importance. The original course of the Berlin Wall has been made visible by coloured pavement stones and some original wall segments. Interesting links to Potsdam Square
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