Alexanderplatz facts for kids
Alexanderplatz is a famous square in the heart of Berlin, Germany. People often call it "Alex" for short. It's a very busy place with many important buildings and shops. The square got its name in 1805 from Tsar Alexander I of Russia. It has been a central meeting point for Berliners for hundreds of years.
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A Look at Alexanderplatz's History
From Market to Metropolis
Alexanderplatz started as a simple market square. It was located just outside the old city walls of Berlin. Near it was a gate called the King's Gate. Over time, the area grew and became more important.
Named for a Tsar
In 1805, a special visitor came to Berlin: Tsar Alexander I of Russia. To honor him, the square was officially renamed Alexanderplatz. This name has stuck ever since.
A Busy Transport Hub
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Alexanderplatz became a very busy place for travel. Many trains, trams, and buses passed through it. It was a lively center for shopping and city life. You could find large department stores and hotels here.
Changes After World War II
During World War II, Berlin was heavily bombed. Alexanderplatz was almost completely destroyed. After the war, the city was divided. Alexanderplatz ended up in East Berlin. The government of East Germany decided to rebuild the square in a modern, socialist style. They wanted it to be a symbol of their new society.
Rebuilding and New Landmarks
In the 1960s and 1970s, many new buildings were constructed. This included the tall Berlin TV Tower, which is still the tallest building in Germany. The World Clock was also added. These new landmarks made Alexanderplatz a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
What You Can See at Alexanderplatz Today
The Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower is a huge landmark. You can see it from almost anywhere in Berlin. It has a rotating restaurant and an observation deck high up. From there, you can get amazing views of the whole city.
The World Clock
The World Clock is another famous meeting point. It shows the time in different cities around the world. It's a fun place to meet friends and watch people go by.
Shopping and Entertainment
Today, Alexanderplatz is still a very active place. There are many large shopping malls, department stores, and restaurants. It's a great spot to shop, eat, and just hang out. You'll also find cinemas and other entertainment options nearby.
Transport Hub
Just like in the past, Alexanderplatz remains a major transport hub. Many train lines, subway lines, and tram routes meet here. It's easy to get to Alexanderplatz from anywhere in Berlin.
Images for kids
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Neighborhoods in Berlin-Mitte: Old Cölln [1] (with Museum Island [1a], Fisher Island [1b]), Altberlin [2] (with Nikolai Quarter [2a]), Friedrichswerder [3], Neukölln am Wasser [4], Dorotheenstadt [5], Friedrichstadt [6], Luisenstadt [7], Stralauer Vorstadt (with Königsstadt) [8], Alexanderplatz area (Königsstadt and Altberlin) [9], Spandauer Vorstadt [10] (with Scheunenviertel [10a]), Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stadt [11], Oranienburger Vorstadt [12], Rosenthaler Vorstadt [13]
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View from the TV Tower.
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Aerial view with the TV tower
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Alexanderplatz in 1912
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Tram passing the World Clock
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Alexanderplatz in 2013
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Memhardt Plan from 1652 with Georgentor
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City map showing the Königsvorstadt (1789). The Alt Berlin is shown in red, the royal suburbs northeast brown.
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Alexanderplatz, 1796 (in the middle the Königsbrücke (King's Bridge) with its colonnades)
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The destroyed Alexanderplatz station, May 1945
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The Press Cafe in 1977. The mural displaying the Marxist view of the press has been covered over by commercial advertising.
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The Fernsehturm Berlin seen from a distance
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Alexanderplatz on April 11th 2020 at 18:28 during COVID-19 lockdown in Berlin
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Fountain of Friendship
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Alexanderplatz, 1908 (left to right: Lehrervereinshaus, Polizeipräsidium, Aschinger)
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The World Clock with the Fernsehturm in the background
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Bahnhof Alexanderplatz
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Alexanderhaus
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Project Blinkenlights
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Die Mitte shopping mall
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Neptunbrunnen
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Tram at Alexanderplatz
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Fernsehturm on Alexanderplatz
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The World Clock and Park Inn hotel in the background
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Night view of the World Clock
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Bahnhof Alexanderplatz and the Fernsehturm
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Park Inn with a reflection from the Fernsehturm.
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See also
In Spanish: Alexanderplatz para niños
