The Pope's Revenge
When the sun hits the steel sphere, a bright cross of light appears on it. In officially atheist East Germany, Berliners nicknamed it "the Pope's Revenge".
Urban Tales › Berlin › Berlin TV Tower
Berlin TV Tower: the history, and the cross nobody planned
East Germany built it to be seen from everywhere, including West Berlin. At 368 meters it's still the tallest structure in Germany. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Opened1969
Height368 m
Observation deck≈ 203 m
Built byEast Germany
Hear the Berlin TV Tower 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
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Built to be seen from the West
The tower was placed at Alexanderplatz to stand over the whole divided city as a show of socialist technology. It opened in October 1969, for the 20th anniversary of the GDR.
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A dinner that turns
The restaurant in the sphere rotates slowly, about once an hour, so a long meal gives you a full tour of Berlin's skyline without leaving your seat.
TipBook a time slot online to skip the queue, and go up around sunset to see the city light up below you. With Urban Tales running, the tower's story plays as you reach Alexanderplatz.
Nearby landmarks
Berlin TV Tower: common questions
How tall is the Berlin TV Tower?
368 meters, the tallest structure in Germany.
Can you go up the Berlin TV Tower?
Yes, an elevator takes visitors to the observation deck at about 203 meters.
Does the TV Tower restaurant rotate?
Yes, it turns slowly, about once an hour.