Reichstag in Berlin (Germany) - the headquater of the German Parliament

The Reichstag in Berlin is not just a monumental building that serves as the seat of the German parliament. It is a symbol of a history full of turbulent events, architectural marvels, and technological innovations. Its walls have witnessed the most important moments in Germany's history – from its construction in 1894 to its reconstruction and modernization after World War II.

A History Full of Ups and Downs

It all began in 1871 when the unified Germany needed a dignified residence for its parliament. Paul Wallot, the winner of the architectural competition, created the design of a monumental building in Neo-Renaissance style. Construction took 10 years (1884-1894) and cost over 24 million gold marks – an astronomical sum for those times!

The original building was impressive in its grandeur. Four corner towers, a richly decorated facade, and a massive dome of glass and steel made it unique. The most distinctive element – the inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" (To the German People) – was added only in 1916, during World War I. These gilded letters, cast from French cannons seized during the Napoleonic Wars, still remind us of the complex history of German statehood.

The Reichstag was completed in 1894 and, from the beginning, was an important political place in Germany. Its construction was associated with the prosperity of the German Empire, and architect Paul Wallot designed a building meant to reflect the new national power. The monumental facade made an immediate impression, and the inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" ("To the German People") expressed national pride.

The Fire of 1933

One of the most dramatic events in the history of the Reichstag was the fire on February 27, 1933, which broke out four weeks after Adolf Hitler came to power. The fire destroyed a large part of the building and became a pretext for the Nazis to crack down on the opposition, accusing a group of communists of arson. Although there is still debate about the true perpetrators of the fire, its consequences were catastrophic – the introduction of an emergency decree allowed Hitler to consolidate his power.

War Damage and Reconstruction

During World War II, the Reichstag suffered even more. In April 1945, the building became a battlefield during the Battle of Berlin, and its ruins symbolized the end of the Third Reich. After the war, there was long debate about what to do with the building – whether to reconstruct it or demolish it entirely. Only in the 1960s was the decision made to rebuild it, and architect Paul Baumgarten, responsible for the project, preserved the original facade while modernizing the interiors.

Architecture and Technical Details

The Dome Designed by Norman Foster

After German reunification, a decision was made to modernize the Reichstag once again, and the project was entrusted to British architect Sir Norman Foster. In his vision, the key element became a steel-and-glass dome that not only catches the eye but also symbolizes modernity and transparency. The dome has a diameter of 40 meters and a height of 23 meters, and about 800 tons of steel were used in its construction.

Inside the dome, there is a light sculptor – an inverted, truncated cone covered with 360 mirrors that reflect sunlight deep into the building, illuminating the parliamentary chamber. This solution is no coincidence; Foster wanted natural light to play a crucial role in the parliament's ventilation and lighting. The cone has a diameter of 2.5 meters at the lower base and as much as 16 meters at the upper base. At the very top of the structure is a skylight – the "eye" through which hot air escapes.

Functionality and Ecology

The Reichstag is an example of sustainable architecture. The inverted cone is part of a natural ventilation system, and solar panels with a total area of 300 m² have been installed on the roof, providing energy for heating. To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the building is equipped with a heating system that reaches 300 meters underground, using groundwater. Thanks to this, the Reichstag is one of the most eco-friendly government buildings in the world!

The Reichstag Today: A Tourist Attraction and Political Center

Today, the Reichstag is not only the seat of the German Bundestag but also a popular tourist attraction. About 8,000 tourists visit it daily, who can explore the dome, admire the view of Berlin from the observation terrace, and enjoy a meal in the restaurant located on the top floor.

Interestingly, admission to the Reichstag is free, attracting thousands of people from around the world. To reach the roof, you can take an elevator or walk along the 230-meter-long spiral ramps that lead through the dome and offer incredible views of Berlin's panorama. The glass walls provide a glimpse into the parliamentary chamber, symbolizing the transparency of the German parliament.

The Chamber of Deputies Can Be Observed from the Terrace

The six-story building is organized to facilitate work and provide comfort to visitors. On the lowest floor are the main office rooms, the second floor houses the offices of the president and ministers, and party meetings are held on the third floor. Higher up, from the public terrace, you can observe parliamentary sessions, which is another element of building citizens' trust in the government.

Awards and Recognitions

After its modernization under the supervision of Sir Norman Foster, the Reichstag gained worldwide acclaim for its innovative approach to architecture and ecology. One of the most prestigious awards the building received is the Stirling Prize, presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The jury praised Foster's project for skillfully combining the historical character of the building with modern, environmentally friendly solutions.

Moreover, the Reichstag has repeatedly appeared on lists of the most beautiful government buildings in the world, earning recognition from architects and critics for the transparency symbolized by its glass dome. In 2008, the building was also honored as an example of sustainable architecture at an international conference on eco-innovations in construction.

Films and Books

The Reichstag, having witnessed many pivotal events in German history, has frequently appeared on film screens and in literature. In documentaries such as Berlin – Die Sinfonie der Großstadt or Downfall (Ger. Der Untergang), the building was used as a symbol of Berlin's changing history and the fall of the Third Reich. In Good Bye Lenin! – a well-known film about German reunification – the Reichstag also appears in the context of the country's transformations.

In literature, the Reichstag is often depicted as a key place for German politics and history. Books like Berlin: The Downfall 1945 by Antony Beevor detail the last days of the war, during which the building played an important role. In thrillers and historical novels such as The Berlin Project or The Second Son, the building serves as a backdrop for intrigue and political twists.

Unusual Facts About the Reichstag

Walls Full of History: During World War II, Red Army soldiers who captured Berlin in 1945 fired hundreds of rounds into the Reichstag's walls, and then, to commemorate their victory, inscribed their signatures in the bricks. These marks are still visible today and are part of the building's historical legacy.

Mysterious Treasures: During modernization work, various historical items that survived the war's destruction were discovered. Among them were original parliamentary documents and everyday objects left behind by soldiers and officials. Today, some of these items can be seen in special exhibitions dedicated to the Reichstag's history.

Virtual Presence: The Reichstag also has a place in the virtual world – it has appeared in many video games, such as Call of Duty: World at War or Battlefield V, where players can take part in the Battle of Berlin. The building has been recreated with incredible accuracy, demonstrating its significance in popular culture.

Underground Tunnels: Beneath the Reichstag is a network of underground tunnels that were intended as evacuation routes and strategic locations during the war. Some of these passages have been opened to tourists as part of special guided tours, adding even more mystery to the entire complex.

The Story of the Inscription: The inscription "Dem Deutschen Volke" was placed on the facade only in 1916, during World War I. Interestingly, the letters were made from melted-down cannons seized during the Napoleonic Wars. The authorities debated for a long time about whether to add this motto, and its placement aimed to emphasize German national unity during the conflict.

Eco System and the Future: The Reichstag is an example of how history can be combined with modernity and ecology. The building almost does not emit CO₂, and Foster's innovative solutions have made it a model of environmentally friendly architecture. The skylight at the top of the dome releases heat, and the system using groundwater is a glimpse into the future of sustainable energy.

The Reichstag is undoubtedly a building with a rich, multidimensional history that fascinates both historians and architecture enthusiasts. Besides its primary purpose, the building continues to inspire future generations, becoming a key landmark in Berlin and an ongoing source of discoveries.

Summary

The Reichstag is a symbol of Germany's long and complex history. From the mighty parliament of the German Empire, through the destruction of World War II, to a modern center of democratic values, the Reichstag has always played an important role in German history and culture.

Today, the Reichstag is not only a symbol of rebirth and unity but also an example of modern and eco-friendly architecture that attracts millions of tourists from around the world.

This monumental building, combining history with modernity, remains one of the most fascinating parliamentary structures in the world. Its architecture, history, and symbolic significance make it an absolutely unique place – not only for Germans but for all history and architecture enthusiasts.