Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is reputedly the most visited area of Berlin, beating Friedrichstrasse and City West. It is a popular starting point for tourists, with many attractions including the Fernsehturm (TV tower), the Nikolai Quarter and the Rotes Rathaus (‘Red City Hall’) situated nearby. The “Alex”, as it is called by Berliners, is the central square of the eastern city center and one of the most important sights of Berlin.

Alexanderplatz owes its current name to King Frederick William III, who renamed the square on the occasion of the visit of Tsar Alexander in 1805. By the early 20th century, Alexanderplatz had grown into a central square, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and transportation links, including the introduction of Berlin’s U-Bahn where Alexanderplatz had a central position.

During World War II, Alexanderplatz was heavily damaged by Allied bombings, leaving much of it in ruins. In the post-war period, as Berlin was divided, Alexanderplatz became a centerpiece of East Berlin, known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It was redesigned in the 1960s to reflect the ideals of socialist modernity, featuring expansive open spaces and iconic structures such as the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and the World Time Clock.

The centerpiece of the square is the Fernsehturm (Television Tower), constructed between 1965 and 1969 by the government of the German Democratic Republic as both a functional broadcasting facility and a symbol of Communist power. With a height of 368 metres (1,207 ft) including antenna, it is the tallest structure in Germany. The tower has become one of the most prominent symbols of the country and is often in the establishing shot of films set in Berlin, alongside monuments such as the Brandenburg Gate.

The World Clock (Weltzeituhr) is a large turret-style world clock located in the public square. By reading the markings on its metal rotunda, the current time for 148 major cities from around the world can be determined. Since its erection by the German Democratic Republic in 1969, it has been a tourist attraction and meeting place.

Alexanderplatz is still one of Berlin’s major commercial areas, housing various shopping malls, department stores and other large retail locations. The Alexa shopping centre opened in 2007 with a 56,200 m² sales area, making it one of the largest shopping centres in Berlin.