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Berlin day tour: Bebelplatz, Cathedral of St. Hedwig, Humboldt University and other landmarks

Continued from Berlin day tour: Zeughaus (Old Arsenal), Neue Wache (New Guard House) and Staatsoper (Berlin Opera House)

One of the historical public squares in Berlin is Bebelplatz along the Unter den Linden Avenue. It is bounded by the Cathedral of St. Hedwig (Sankt-Hedwigs-Kathedrale), the Staatsoper (Berlin Opera House) and part of Humboldt University. The square was formerly known as Opernplatz and was the site of the book burning rites by the Nazi youth groups in 1933 where about thousands of books by prominent German authors were set to fire.

Metal plaque to commemorate the 1933 book burning ceremony, Bebelplatz, Berlin
A metal plaque with inscriptions to commemorate the infamous 1933 book burning ceremony at the center of the square.

One of the major landmarks in Bebelplatz is the St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Berlin. Its beautiful large dome and front columns makes it an imposing structure in the square. The left side of the building was undergoing renovation during our visit.

St. Hedwig's Cathedral, Bebelplatz, Berlin
St. Hedwig’s Cathedral façade

Around Bebelplatz are the buildings of Humboldt University, with the Law Faculty building located on the square and the main building across Unter den Linden. It is the oldest university in Berlin and was home to notable alumni, professors and lecturers such as Albert Einstein, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Heinrich Heine, Max Planck and many others.

Humboldt University, Berlin
Humboldt University main building as seen from Bebelplatz facing towards Unter den Linden

Near Bebelplatz is an equestrian statue of Frederick the Great (Frederick II of Prussia) along the Unter den Linden Avenue.

Equestrian statue of Frederick the Great, Unter den Linden, Berlin
The statue of Frederick the Great with the Humboldt University building in the background.

Bebelplatz was also the site of the 2006 United Buddy Bears exhibition in Berlin where more than a hundred bear sculptures were displayed around the square.

The United Buddy Bears exhibition at Bebelplatz, Berlin-Mitte

Photo credits for the United Buddy Bears exhibition: Wikipedia

Next stop: Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag

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  1. Berlin day tour: Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag | Happy Steps travel blog - [...] Continued from Berlin day tour: Cathedral of St. Hedwig, Humboldt University, Bebelplatz and nearby landmarks [...]
  2. A virtual Visita Iglesia (church pilgrimage during the Holy Week) | Happy Steps travel blog - [...] St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, Berlin [...]
  3. Berlin landmarks and tourist attractions: One day tour | Happy Steps travel blog - [...] Bebelplatz – One of Berlin’s notable public squares, where the infamous book burning rites by the Nazis in 1933…

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