Brandenburg Gate

landmarks · history · Berlin

Built for a king. King Frederick William II of Prussia ordered the Brandenburg Gate to be constructed between 1788 and 1791. It was designed by the royal architect Carl Gotthard Langhans.

Marked a famous road. The gate was built on the spot where an old city gate once stood. This original gate marked the beginning of the road that led from Berlin to Brandenburg an der Havel, which was an important city at the time.

Topped with horses. At the very top of the Brandenburg Gate sits a bronze sculpture called a quadriga, which shows a chariot pulled by horses. This stunning artwork was created by sculptor Johann Gottfried Schadow.

Germany's symbol. The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Germany and represents the country to people around the world.

Neoclassical style. The gate was built in the neoclassical style of architecture, which means it features clean lines and columns inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings.