Reichstags

The Reichstag is a historical building in Berlin, Germany. It was originally constructed to house the Imperial Diet of the German Empire. Construction began in 1884 and was completed in 1894. The building was designed by architect Paul Wallot. Its Neo-Renaissance style featured ornate decoration and a large dome. The Reichstag served as the seat of parliament until the Reichstag fire in 1933. This event, shrouded in controversy, was used by the Nazi Party to consolidate power.

After the fire, the building fell into disrepair and was heavily damaged during World War II. It remained a symbol of a divided Germany during the Cold War, with the Berlin Wall running close by. Following German reunification, a decision was made to restore and modernize the Reichstag. British architect Norman Foster was commissioned for the project. His design incorporated a new glass dome, symbolizing transparency and the new democratic era.

The renovated Reichstag reopened in 1999 and once again became the meeting place for the Bundestag, the German federal parliament. Today, the Reichstag is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors panoramic views of Berlin from its dome and a glimpse into Germany's complex political history. Its architecture reflects both its imperial past and its modern democratic present.