The Alexanderplatz - An Example of Propoganda in East Germany

Before the square became a focal point of the communist regime it was an ox market. It later had it’s name changed, to the Alexanderplatz , after a visit from Tzar Alexander. In the late 1800’s a train station was built there and it started to act more like the square we see today.

Pretty much all of the original buildings in the square were destroyed during World War II. Once the communist regime took a stronghold over East Berlin the square began to play a different roll. There were a lot of places that could have been considered propoganda in East Germany but none more so than the Alexanderplatz. Many of the buildings in the square are in fact square, box-like structures, which were common in the Soviet block countries. The architecture was definitely socialist and to the communists it had purpose.The focal point of the square is the large television tower that was erected by the communist. It was designed to be the tallest building in all of Berlin and they wanted the West to see it. It was also used for the purpose of spying on the West. Some people even question whether the tower actually worked. To locals it is known as the “toothpick”. Whatever the case may be the tower is the best example of propoganda in East Germany.

Today the Alexanderplatz is experiencing a much deserved facelift and the hope is it will become the focal point of Berlin once again. The square is a perfect place to begin your walking tour of Berlin. I hope the information here will help you plan your European vacation.