world destruction

Built in the late 19th century in honour of Kaiser Wilhelm I, this once magnificent church was gutted by fire after a British air-raid in November 1943. The only parts left standing were the nave and half a spire. Nowadays, the spireless ruin and the modern chapel next door provide the city with more than just a famous landmark—they are also a poignant symbol of the senselessness of war. The 'Stalingrad Madonna' in the futuristic blue-glass chapel next to the ruin is worth a visit, as is the exhibition documenting the history of the church on Breitscheidplatz. According to rumours, the down-and-outs who tended to congregate around the chapel were moved on because their urine was beginning to corrode the foundations!

This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the ancient world, the crowning glory being the altar from the Zeus Temple in Pergamon (180-160 BC), one of the world's most significant archaeological finds. The museum is also home to parts of the magnificent Antique Collection, the East Asian Collection, the Near Eastern Museum and the Islamic Museum. The electronic guides for visitors are very informative and are available in several languages for a small fee.

Located next to Zoo Station in the heart of the western city centre, Zoologischer Garten Berlin is home to Skippy the kangaroo, Pretty Woman the gorilla and Kiri the elephant, to name just a few. Other attractions are the nocturnal animals and a pair of Chinese panda bears, although Yan-Yan's lack of sexual interest in her partner Bao-Bao has been talk of the town for years! Founded in 1844 by Prussian King William IV, the Zoologischer Garten is Germany's oldest zoo. With 13,000 animals and 1,400 different species, the zoo is also one of the world's most populous. The nearby Aquarium was opened in the 1930s.

At the location of the Berliner Dom or Berliner Cathedral have succeeded several churches over the centuries. The first one was erected in 1465 for the Royal reigning family, the Hohenzollern, and was not more than a chapel at that time. In 1747, it was replaced by a Baroque cathedral designed by Johann Boumann and once again remodeled in 1822 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The actual Dom was built between 1894 and 1905 under King Wilhem II's reign. Almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, the Berliner Dom remained a ruin until restoration work finally began in 1973. Among the masterpieces of the Dom, the mosaics covering the cupola, the crypt, the altar and the altar windows are of particular interest. The Dom also houses the graves of over 80 members of the Hohenzollern family. Before leaving, take a look at the huge neo-baroque organ, one of the largest in Germany. Insider tip: do absolutely not miss the roof promenade after you've climbed the many steps leading to the coupole.