Bebelplatz Berlin
Germany - Cologne - Dusseldorf - Frankfurt - Munich - Stuttgart - Hamburg - Berlin
Bebelplatz, Berlin is a centre of arts and science. During the reign of Fredrich II the Berlin Square or Bebelplatz came into existence. He planned to create a place which will represent the power of politics. Fredrich II planned to construct an opera house, an academy and a royal palace. The later part of his idea was to create a series of classical building which will be the best in entire Berlin.
Bebelplatz, Berlin was known as Frederick's Forum and later on as Opernplatz. The name Opernplatz was popular because only the Opera was built during the King's reign. Later on after the death of the king the other buildings were constructed. The place was named Bebelplatz after the name of august Bebel, a Social Democratic leader of Germany who reigned during the 19th century.
In the present day of Bebelplatz, Berlin political power is no more represented but the science and arts section is still there. Just in the middle of the square there is a memorial hall representing the Nazis who burnt the books on politics and philosophical opponents in May 1933.
Bebelplatz, Berlin can be divided into three major sectors:
- State Opera House
- o St. Hedwig's Cathedral
- o Old Library
The Opera House in Bebelplatz, Berlin is the oldest and the most lavish building designed by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. The main attraction of the Opera House is the orchestra which has long lasting history. The orchestra is known as Staatskapelle Berlin. The Opera House was destroyed during the World War II and again rebuilt in the 1950s. The opera conducts concerts and events all round the year.
St. Hedwig's Cathedral is the oldest and the best Catholic Church after the Reformation of the Protestants. The church was built in the year 1747. The church is the best place of prayer. The atmosphere is calm and serene. The dome of the church is shiny and is viible from various parts of the city. It is known to be as the Bishop's Church.
The West side of the Bebelplatz, Berlin lays the Royal library which is now turned into Humboldt University. Famous people like Karl Marx were students of this University. Albert Einstein used to teach here for nearly 20 years.
May 10, 1933 was known to be as the Dark Day in the history of Berlin. This was the time when the Nazis burnt around 20,000 books of the Jews, Communists and Pacifists burned on a pyre in the middle of Bebelplatz.
The above date has significance in the history of Berlin so a number of visitors come to visit the place.
