Around Museuminsel (Museum Island)

The Berliner Dom (the Protestant Cathedral) with the now empty and derelict Palast der Republik (home of the former DDR parliament). The River Spree is in the foreground.

Here the Cathedral's facade is hidden, but look at the finials on the twin domes (they were rebuilt to a simpified design when the Cathedral was restored, long after it was severly damaged by Allied bombing) They look very similar to the DDR's Fernsehturm (Television Tower) in Alexanderplatz. Very different messages, perhaps...

Another view, taken from the steps of the Altes Museum (Old Museum).

The Cathedral and Palast der Rebublik, from the Schloßplatz. In the foreground are the recently exposed cellars of the Royal Palace, home of the former rulers of Brandenburg and Prussia, and finally of the German Empire. This gigantic building was badly damaged by bombing, and blown up by the DDR government in 1950. Eventually the Palast der Republik was built on part of the site, while the rest became a vast empty space used for rallies and parking.

The Palast der Republik and Schlossplatz at sunset -- October 2005.

The Palast der Republik hosted the parliament of the German Democratic Republic (Volkskammer) as well as bars, restaurants, and a bowling alley. The empty building came to symbolise the positive aspects of the DDR, as well as forming a focus for the nostalgia of those who feel that they have not reaped many of the benefits of reunification. However, in September 2006 it is finally being dismantled, and its materials recycled.

By September 2007 most of the Palast der Republik has disappeared. Only four huge concrete core sections, plus some of the metal framework remains above ground level. The cathedral is also having work done on it: the lantern at the top of the dome has been removed.