Berlin Attractions

Venue: Reichstag    When: Daily

Berlin's Reichstag is home to the German parliament and became a major tourist attraction after 1999, when Norman Foster's fabulous glass dome on top of the building opened to the public.

Built in 1884-1894 by Paul Wallot, the Reichstag mirrors the turbulent German history over the last 100 years. The building was erected to represent the newly-founded German Reich and received its famous inscription "To The German People" in 1916. It also witnessed the transformation of the monarchy to the German Republic in 1918. In 1933, a huge fire - whose cause has never been clarified - partly destroyed the building and was used by the Nazis as a reason to persecute their political enemies.

Rebuilt between 1961-1971, the building regained its old significance with the unification of Germany and Berlin's role as the new capital. Architect Sir Norman Forster was commissioned to refurbish the Reichstag and created a glass dome in the style of its historical predecessor. Visitors can enter the dome and look down on the parliament hall.

Guided tours are held outside the parliament sessions at 10.30am, 3.30pm and 7.30pm (booking is necessary).