Nikolaiviertel is the historic heart of Berlin, where the city was first founded in the 13th century. Around the Nikolaikirche, merchants and craftsmen built homes, shops, and taverns, laying the foundation for what would become Germany’s capital. Centuries later, the quarter was almost completely destroyed during World War II bombings. For decades after the war, the area remained a desolate wasteland in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the GDR government undertook a bold reconstruction project to mark Berlin’s 750th anniversary. Instead of rebuilding the area authentically, they opted for a mix of historical facades and modern prefab buildings (Plattenbau), aiming to create a romanticized version of old Berlin. Today, the Nikolaiviertel blends medieval charm with socialist urban planning, offering a unique glimpse into both Berlin’s origins and its divided past.

Alamy number: RM05JG

On busy Potsdamer Platz in Berlin a curious reminiscence of pre-war times is often overlooked: the traffic light in the center of this picture. 

The historic traffic light at Potsdamer Platz was the first signal light system in Germany and is considered one of the first in Europe. And it was urgently needed, given the chaotic traffic at the time. Potsdamer Platz was, after all, one of the busiest intersections in Europe. It wasn’t just connected to the city’s S-Bahn and U-Bahn networks; it also had an astonishing 26 tram lines and 5 bus lines. Not to mention the heavy car traffic and the considerable number of travelers arriving daily at the train station. 

The traffic light was put into operation on October 20, 1924, and, much like the American signal towers of the time, it was a tower-like structure with five sides, and three signal lights and a clock on each side. The tower stood in the middle of the intersection and was initially operated manually by a police officer sitting in the glass box inside the tower. Poor chap.

Yet while the traffic light tower at Potsdamer Platz references the past and, in a sense, integrates it into the city’s history, this photo also reveals that such integration has not succeeded on a larger scale: the four high-rises that line the intersection may be considered a "highlight" of Berlin’s skyline – but they stand entirely isolated and make no connection whatsoever to their surroundings or to Berlin itself. From an urban planning perspective, this quarter remains an island to this day, its density resembling a theme park where Berliners and their visitors can, for a moment, feel as though they are in New York, the City of London, or some other modern metropolis.

Alamy number: 2B1PBC8