Travel – German Culture

Dresden Semper Opera House

Dresden Theaterplatz is the heart of tourists’ pilgrimage. First of all the place is famous for sightseeing tour which may take long hours to value enough the beauty of Zwinger, Schinkelwache restaurant with amazing history, Gallery of the Old Masters with world-famous masterpieces gathered from all over the world, Hofkirche Church and the heart of Theaterplatz which can be called the purpose of tourist visiting and excursions- Semper Opera House.

This place is greatly valued by theater-goers, musicians, culture and history scholars. Each visitor can find a fruitful source for his curiosity no matter what interests he has: the Opera building marvelous architecture is an excellent example of Renaissance, however the primary building was constructed in Baroque style.

The reconstruction was needed several times – after the fire in the 19th century and the World War II.

The first architect and designer of the building was Gottfried Semper. Actually, Semper was inspired to construct other buildings on Theaterplatz which also became Dresden world-famous sightseeing – his Japanese Palace rooms partially saved after the war, reconstructed later and serving now as the rooms of the State Museum of the Early History. His inspiration was drawn from his study in Italy when he admired Roman ancient architecture and dreamt to brighten up the colorful and fairy atmosphere of ancient Rome on his native land.

His Opera House work was found so successful and impressive that Opera House obtained the name of its author.

Besides architecture the Opera House became world famous due to classic music performed there. Initially the opera orchestra played Richard Strauss’s works and, therefore, gained huge audiences and its well-known name – Semper Opera House.

Now the Saxon State Opera orchestra and chorus are bringing fame to the opera and attract visitors by wonderful beauty of the classical sounds.

Although Semper Opera House is the heart of the Dresden’s Theaterplatz you cannot feel and know Germany without tasting delicious national food prepared with old recipes available at Schinkelwache restaurant.

The wonderful dinner can be excellent conclusion of your day tour to Hofkirche Church and Gallery of the Old Masters where German and World history, music, architecture, painting and famous people lives come together.

Berlin – the City of Great Changes

All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin.
And therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner.”

— President John F. Kennedy, West Berlin, 1963

Berlin is the capital and the largest city of Germany.
Berlin was first the capital of Prussia, and then the capital of Germany between 1871 and 1945, and again since the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990. The German parliament, called Bundestag, and the German government are supposed to move from Bonn to Berlin till the year 2000. Between 1949 and 1990, it was divided into East Berlin, the capital of the German Democratic Republic, and West Berlin. It was divided by the Berlin Wall between August 13, 1961, and November 9, 1989.

Berlin has seen many changes over the years, both socially and politically, and for this reason it has often made headline news all over the world, most recently with the breakdown of the Great Wall in 1989 which had divided the whole country for nearly 30 years. Constructed by the SED, the Socialist Unity Party of East Germany in August of 1961 as a protective wall against West German fascism and American capitalist imperialism, the Wall was a permanent point of controversy inside Germany, as well as in the whole world. It unnaturally divided Berlin into two parts, thus separating families, friends, and making people hostile to the other part’s inhabitants.

During the division of the country, Bonn was the seat of western Germany’s federal government. After the country was unified, the German Bundestag (Parliament’s lower house) voted on June 20, 1991, to move the federal government back to Berlin. Following eight years of preparation, the parliament, chancellery and nine ministries moved to Berlin during the summer of 1999. On September 1, 1999, Berlin again became the seat of Germany’s federal government.

Earlier in the year, on April 19, the Reichstag building became the Bundestag’s official location. Renovated by British architect Norman Foster at a cost of over $400 million, the Reichstag is distinctive for its enormous, transparent, glass dome. In 2000, the upper house of the German Parliament (Bundesrat) moved into the Preußisches Herrenhaus, the site of Prussia’s first parliament. Since 1994, Schloß Bellevue in Berlin has been the Federal President’s primary residence, while the president’s office relocated to Berlin in late 1998. The chancellery is expected to be completed in 2001. The nine German ministries in the city are housed in both old and new buildings. All together, approximately 50,000 politicians, diplomats, civil servants, lobbyists and journalists will relocate to Berlin.

In addition to government projects, close to 300 major, privately financed projects are planned, under construction or completed in Berlin. These investments total around $33 billion, which is four times as much money as was pumped into all of Germany by the Marshall Plan. Much of the construction is happening in what was East Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate on Friedrichstrasse and Unter den Linden. Major portions of Potsdamer Platz, famous as Berlin’s cultural center between the World Wars, have been reconstructed. Twenty-nine buildings with apartments, offices, shops, restaurants and a shopping center will eventually be completed there. A 27-screen movie complex has already opened and plans include a musical and variety theater.

Government spending on construction projects in Berlin, including public buildings, housing and transportation, have totaled $6.67 billion. An additional $6 billion was spent on expanding the region’s transportation infrastructure.

With government employees relocating to the city, housing must be built or renovated. Of the estimated 12,000 housing units required, some 4,000 will come from housing formerly used by Allied troops stationed in Berlin. The rest will be built on land owned by the German government. Much of this property was previously used by the Allies and returned when they left Berlin in 1994.

With a background so rich in history which greatly effected the rest of the world, Berlin is a wonder and leaves a long-lasting impression. Take a tour around the city and get the unforgettable pleasure!

Related articles:
Free State of Bavaria – Travel Destination
Bremen – the City of the World-Famous Fairytale Musicians
Dresden Semper Opera House
Hamburg – European Melting Pot
Saxony – a Crossroads of European History, Culture and Art

Bremen – the City of the World-Famous Fairytale Musicians

The City Municipality of Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany.

Bremen used to be a very important marketplace located on Weser river which had port with free exit to the North Sea and connections with the Rhine River.

The most influential historical events:
787 – the foundation of the city by Charlemagne
965 – the city was given the free market area status by Emperor Otto I 1358 – the rich trade privileges allowed the city to be a leader of the Free Hanseatic League – one of the most powerful trade association in Germany.
1646 – the city gained the official status of free and independent entity with approval of the Linz Diploma 19th century – the city had grown and developed into one of the most powerful center of international trading. As a result there was an establishment of the Bremerhaven – the city port and the land of international market trading.

Bremen Town Musicians Sculpture

Like other German cities which have very rich and diverse cultural background, e.g. Hamburg, Bremen architecture, traditions, holidays and social life reflected the heritage of multi-nations life. Now Bremen inhabitants are ‘melting pot’ society which keeps the evidences of different nations achievements and various historical events of the city.

Bremen Rathaus und Roland

The Statue of Roland symbolizes the leading role of Bremen among free trading and independent cities.

Bederkesa Castle, since 1381 a stronghold of Bremen’s rural possessions within the Prince-Archbishopric, the later secularised Duchy of Bremen

Altstadt amazingly remains the air of freedom and independence aged 10 centuries. This air is created by well-restored medieval buildings.

St. Peter’s Catholic Cathedral and old houses standing abreast nip and tuck along the streets.

St. Petri Dom Bremen

The best way to feel the town’s medieval atmosphere is to go on foot along narrow old streets, walk in Burgerpark, see the Schnoor and Marketplatz – the excellent place for Bremen tourism sightseeing.

Another useful advice is to provide yourself with good photo and video equipment and take as many pictures of Bremen as possible.

Hauptbahnhof, Bremen

Alte Feuerwache, Bremen

Related articles:
Free State of Bavaria – Travel Destination
Berlin – the City of Great Changes
Dresden Semper Opera House
Hamburg – European Melting Pot
Saxony – a Crossroads of European History, Culture and Art

Augustusburg castle – the German Heritage

The Augustusburg castle located in North Rhine-Westphalia near Cologne was valued by UNESCO as the world heritage. This decision was made in 1984 and drew attention to the castle’s eventful and rich history.

The history of the Augustusburg castle is worth studying, and its architecture, construction, interior and surroundings serve as colorful evidences. The castle building was initiated by the Cologne archbishop Clemens Augustus ruling in the early and middle 18th century. Augustus’ choice for the construction place was driven by two reasons – first, it was the place of the ruined medieval castle; second, this place had the excellent hunting opportunities and fascinating views.

Augustusburg castle, like other numerous castles in Germany, obtained the mix of architectural styles but prevailing features belonged to the French baroque style which was aimed to demonstrate the power and magnificence of the Cologne rulers. Several architects were employed between 1825 and 1840 to complete the castle and their works’ stories could be the significant part of the German architecture history. The Augustusburg describers get used to give considerable credit to Balthazar Neumann – the author of the central staircase, and Carlo Carlone who painted the castle inside and left fascinating frescos on the staircase.

The Augustusburg’s history obtained the castle’s heritage position due to active participation in the German history. For example, the castle’s background was greatly enriched by a number of persons who created the world history – Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm IV etc. The royal background initiated the idea to keep the castle as the residence of the German rulers, and now Augustusburg serves as the government seat. Despite several captures and numerous owners, the Augustusburg royal and majestic atmosphere did not allow its great inhabitants to destroy or re-construct either interior or exterior landscapes. The honorable beauty of the marble staircase, colorful paintings and frescoes and luxurious French gardens can be still admired by the Augustusburg’s visitors.

Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral was included into UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 and got one of the top sites of the list due its unique history enriched by legends and myths and luxurious treasures kept in the cathedral.
Construction of this palatine chapel, with its octagonal basilica and cupola, began c. 790–800 under the Emperor Charlemagne. Originally inspired by the churches of the Eastern part of the Holy Roman Empire, it was splendidly enlarged in the Middle Ages. The construction of the chapel of the Emperor at Aachen symbolized the unification of the west and its spiritual and political revival under the aegis of Charlemagne. In 814, Charlemagne was buried here, and throughout the Middle Ages until 1531 the Germanic emperors continued to be crowned here. The collection of the treasury of the cathedral is of incalculable archaeological, aesthetic, and historic interest.

The special value of this church was given by its author, the legendary Emperor Charlemagne. It is said that Charlemagne was born in Aachen, the German Western boundary town (the town borders Belgium and Netherlands ), and created the central Northern Europe cultural and politic headquarter at his native place. Besides Charlemagne’s outstanding political activity and lively deeds directed to Christianity religion and Roman culture development he was credited by erection of one of the largest and most significant construction of the Middle Ages – Aachen Cathedral.

The Cathedral itself got several names: the Palatinate Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church and the Minster. The Charlemagne’s activity bore the two main reasons of the modern vivid interest and care to this church – first, he created the royal residence palace at the Cathedral and was also buried there according to his will; second, he managed to develop the unique collection of the Christian relics and gathered and kept all of them in the Cathedral.

The first aim – to establish royal residence – coincided with the second inner willingness to create one of the most majestic and influential edifice of Christianity. The Dome mixed up the elements of different architectural styles: Gothic, Byzantine, Classical and art of Carolingian period. This mixture is inevitable consequence of numerous completions during later centuries provided by the next great German Emperors such as Otto III and Frederick Barbarossa. All of these historical figures enriched the German history with great deeds and were crowned and buried in Cathedral.
The Cathedral was built in the form of octagon with the choir and chapels. The octagon takes the core position and has the golden mosaics pictures with the God and twenty four Ancients around Him. It interior is also decorated by fascinating statues and Charlemagne’s grave. During the Gothic period the altar and the stone in the memory of the Emperor Otto III were added.

The unique Christian relics’ collection is the core of pilgrimages from all over the world. This collection comprises four Great Relics: the shroud of the Blessed Virgin, the God’s loin-cloth, the Jesus’ swaddling band and the cloth for St. John’s head.