Berlin ...in the snow

Some of my favorite trip photos came in Berlin…in the snow….just as twilight was setting in. In particular, one evening, we explored the quaint Nikolaiviertel (Nikolai Quarter) and Alexanderplatz, in what was the former East Berlin. Actually, Nikolaiviertel was almost entirely destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945, but was restored between 1979 and 1987.

Nikolaikirche (Nikolai Church) is indeed the oldest church in Berlin, but it has also been restored (1987). All that remains of the original church built around 1230 is the base of the two-tower facade.



Thoughout Nikolaiviertel and Alexanderplatz, there are many canals that jut off of the Spree River. OK, better to tour the canals in the summer when not quite so cold! A shot of Nikolai Platz.



One of the many lovely canals along the Spree River.



Alexanderplatz (or "Alex" as it is called locally) has a long history but you'd never know it by looking at the local architecture, which is rather innocuous. Originally, this area was the ochsenmarkt (oxen market), but was later re-named after Tsar Alexander I who visited Berlin in 1805. This area was a bustling area for commerce, cafes, and homes. Sadly, WWII erased most of the buildings and rather drab 1960's architecture sprouted up in its place. One of the main buildings in this area is the Rotes Rathaus (Red TownHall), the site of Berlin's townhall, and during the GDR days, the site of East Germany's ruling body.



The Fernsehturm plaza area, which I suspect is much more charming than normal due to the beautiful snow.







Berliner Dom, a great example of baroque church design.



Telespargel (the TV tower in Berlin known as the "toothpick").