German architect is fabulous from top to bottom. The Reichstag building is a testament to such beauty with its dome made out of glass. This historic home of Parliament has been around for centuries and does not spare when it comes to majesty. The Reichstag building cooperates with nature by being the shining light when the sun is out and the image of gloom on stormy days. Many tourists make the location their final stop so as to keep the memories of the scenery fresh long after they have left Berlin.

Like any other historical site, the Reichstag building will make you consider the times in which it was built. How did Parliament keep secrets while surrounded by a glass dome? Did they make use of large curtains? The last question is more of a design inquiry than historical interest, but you get my point.  The Reichstag building is a symbol of Berlin, Germany’s majesty.

Just when you think that life in Germany was bad during the Nazi’s reign, you thought wrong. Life in Berlin wasn’t bad: it was atrocious. The Topography of Terror shows some of the most horrifying moments of Adolf Hitler’s reign. From the day that he and his Nazi party forced thousands of Jewish residents to dig their own graves right before shooting them in the back to the day that he ordered thousands of mothers and children to the gas chambers where they took their final breaths, it’s all here.

I enjoy coming to this exhibit every time I visit Berlin because of its rich history. While it is true that not everything in the past is beautiful, it is important to note that such ugliness was necessary to get us to the present day. History always has a way of repeating itself when not remembered. The Topography of Terror is an essential tourist attraction that reminds us of the dark past all while inspiring us to reach for a more hopeful future.

Sure, we’ve read about the Nazi regime in history books and expressed our disgust with their leader’s hate. Have we really, though, delved into the events that led up to World War II? My answer is no.

My first visit to Berlin, Germany included a visit to the wall. While the bulk of the structure is no more, there are remnants of what used to be a barrier and blatant symbol of cultural division. While some can see a historical structure and quickly move forward from the viewing, I am not that type of person. I was awestruck by the ruins of the wall and my mind immediately went into imagination mode.

What was life like for Germans who did not agree with the Nazi regime’s agenda? We often hear of the Jewish experience in Germany during Adolf Hitler’s rule, and rightfully so, but we don’t often hear of those German residents who were in stark opposition to the country’s stance. Perhaps they desired to leave the country but couldn’t because of financial constraints and social obligations that kept them there. Maybe they worked up the courage to be brave and hide their Jewish friends right before witnessing the plight of their neighbors who were discovered in violation of the law.

We never truly know why people decide to be silent when they should take action and vice versa but one thing is for certain: the Berlin wall gives a whole new perspective on what life could have been like during Nazi Germany. You have to see the historic monument to truly appreciate it.