The goddess who went to Paris
After defeating Prussia in 1806, Napoleon had the Quadriga taken to Paris. It came back in 1814, and Schinkel gave the goddess a new staff with the Iron Cross and a Prussian eagle, turning her into Victoria.
Urban Tales › Berlin › Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate: the history, and the goddess who went to Paris
Berlin's most famous landmark was built as a gate of peace, stood in the border zone for 28 years, and became the symbol of a reunited Germany. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Built1788–1791
ArchitectCarl G. Langhans
Quadriga1793
Columns12 Doric
Hear the Brandenburg Gate story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
1
2
Locked inside the border
When the Wall went up in 1961, the gate ended up in the border zone on the eastern side. Nobody from East or West could walk through it until it reopened on 22 December 1989.
3
Tear down this wall
On 12 June 1987, Ronald Reagan spoke in front of the gate on the western side and called out: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Two and a half years later, it fell.
TipWalk through the middle passage, once reserved for the royal family, into Pariser Platz, then turn around to see the Quadriga facing the city. With Urban Tales running, the gate's story plays as you reach Pariser Platz.
Nearby landmarks
Brandenburg Gate: common questions
Why is it called the Brandenburg Gate?
Because the road that started here led to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel.
When was the Brandenburg Gate built?
Between 1788 and 1791, for King Frederick William II, designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans after the Propylaea in Athens.
Can you walk through the Brandenburg Gate?
Yes. It reopened to pedestrians in December 1989 and has been closed to cars since 2002.