Berlin

A composition of the most variegated styles of contemporary architecture characterises the new political importance of Berlin in the government district. Regional building materials and stylistic elements dominate the scene, from the ribbon of government buildings to the new embassy buildings and permanent representations of the federal states. The Reichstag built from 1884-1894 and reconstructed by Sir Norman Foster is now the main seat of the federal diet. Its ingenious new cupola made it a symbol for a new tolerance in state and society.

At Potsdam square, the former traffic junction in the heart of Berlin, star architects like Meinhard von Gerkan and Renzo Piano created a fascinating ensemble of buildings where international conglomerates as well as hotels, musical theatres, the film museum and restaurants found a new home. With the Berlin Gendarmen Market Frederick the Great built the most beautiful square of the metropolis in the Italian style. Its central building is the concert hall by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, flanked to the north by the French cathedral opposite the German Cathedral.