There was a request for more info on the Holocaust Memorial we visited in Berlin. The first point to make about it is that it is quite large, taking up a full city block. The concrete blocks are arranged so you can wander among them, and they are of varying heights. In addition, the cobblestones on which they sit are wavy so that your perspective is constantly changing as you pass between the columns.
I think the idea is is to create a kind of disorientation about how such a thing (the Holocaust) could even happen, while encouraging some contemplation of its effect. Actually this memorial is focused on the Jews who perished, which apparently sparked some controversy, since the Nazis targeted some other groups as well.
Across the street is a park, where several other memorials are planned to cover the gypsies, Slavs, gays, disabled, and other groups that Hitler went after. It's another sign of the overwhelming aura of recent, tragic history that hangs over the city of Berlin-- moreso than any other city I've ever visited.
After our visit to the Holocaust Memorial, it was back on the bus for more of the tour. Above is a building whih, if I recall correctly, was the seat of government in the period after Napoleon was forced out of Germany.
Here's a view of the Berliner Dom, which our guide Kevin referred to as a monstrosity. Maybe, but it does stick out, and is much more interesting than most of the utilitarian, box-like buildings that dominate other parts of the city.
See what I mean (the graffiti actually makes it look better)?
There was a request for more info on the Holocaust Memorial we visited in Berlin. The first point to make about it is that it is quite large, taking up a full city block. The concrete blocks are arranged so you can wander among them, and they are of varying heights. In addition, the cobblestones on which they sit are wavy so that your perspective is constantly changing as you pass between the columns.
I think the idea is is to create a kind of disorientation about how such a thing (the Holocaust) could even happen, while encouraging some contemplation of its effect. Actually this memorial is focused on the Jews who perished, which apparently sparked some controversy, since the Nazis targeted some other groups as well.
Across the street is a park, where several other memorials are planned to cover the gypsies, Slavs, gays, disabled, and other groups that Hitler went after. It's another sign of the overwhelming aura of recent, tragic history that hangs over the city of Berlin-- moreso than any other city I've ever visited.
After our visit to the Holocaust Memorial, it was back on the bus for more of the tour. Above is a building whih, if I recall correctly, was the seat of government in the period after Napoleon was forced out of Germany.
Here's a view of the Berliner Dom, which our guide Kevin referred to as a monstrosity. Maybe, but it does stick out, and is much more interesting than most of the utilitarian, box-like buildings that dominate other parts of the city.
See what I mean (the graffiti actually makes it look better)?
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