“Berlin is the parvenu amongst the great European capitals. The Romans never made it this far; there are no ruins to tell of earlier civilization. There are no Romanesque churches or Gothic cathedrals. Berlin was only mentioned for the first time in a document dating from 1237. And even there the name is not “Berlin”, but that of its sister town “Colln” later incorporated into Berlin. At that time the population of the small twin settlement on the Spree River was no more than a few thousand. Berlin-Colln established itself between the towns of Spandau and Kopenick as a trading town located at the sole favorable crossing point of the river.” (Braun p. 8 from Berlin: the architecture guide)
The Nikolaikirche, otherwise known as St. Nichilas Church, is the oldest stone building in the city of Berlin. The church is located in the eastern part of central Berlin, the borough of Mitte. The area around St. Nicholas Church is known as the Nicholaiveirtel, which is German for the “Nicholas Quarter”, and is an area of restored mediaeval architecture. Construction of the St. Nicholas church was probably begun around 1230, when Berlin received its city charter. The first version, which is rather different from the present day church, was completed in 1244. The church stands on a hill near the Spree crossing at the Muhlendamm, presenting itself as the focal point for of quarter. Throughout the years the church has gone through several facelifts. The current triple nave structure with cross vault was erected in 1380, following a devastating fire. For centuries, the church had just one octagonal spire. In 1876, Hermann Blankenstein added a second tower, in brick, and two spires, which is what the church looks like today. Due to the Second World War and the Battle of Berlin, the church was severely damaged. The interior of the church was predominately ruined by fire caused by the Allies bombing of Berlin. In 1981, the East German Democratic Republic authorities authorized the rebuilding of the church, using the old designs and plans. In the scope of the reconstruction of the Nikolaiviertel for the 750-year anniversary of Berlin, the church was reconstructed as a museum, a process that enabled many fittings that had been stored elsewhere to be replaced in their original position.
Another important symbol for Berlin is the Ferneshturm, which is German for television tower.The television tower is located in the city center of Berlin, Mitte, and is close to the Alexanderplatz, just five minutes away from the Nicholas Quarter. The design of the television tower was based off Hermann Henselmann’s proposal in 1959. The transmitter mast was first planned to be located in Kopenick and then in Friedrichshain. The final location for the Ferneshturm was proposed by the German Democratic Republic president Hanns Hopp. The television tower was strategically placed at the point of intersection of many radials, in a way tying together the city layout and infrastructure. Also because of its height, standing 1,207 feet, it is the second largest building in Europe and is clearly visible from any location of the city. The overall design of the television tower has a resemblance to the space design, which was greatly important due to the space race and interest in new technology. On its completion, it was celebrated as a “work of the working people”. Today the Ferneshturm still stands and has become one of the most visited buildings in Berlin.
The borough of Mitte in Berlin has definitely regained its status as the center of Berlin. Throughout the years, it was built up as a trading post, a religious center and an exchange of ideas and culture. It has been through war and devastation and was split by conflicting ideas during the disagreements over German government. Today the Nikolaikirche and the Ferneshturm stand strong at the center of Berlin and together they represent a symbol of reunification and power for all of Berlin.
