The Olympiastadion where the Champions
League Final is to be held this evening is an extraordinary building.
Built for the Olympics in 1936, there is a particular significance
for this structure, designed to show off Hitler's powers and his
Aryan Gods. Originally holding 100,000 people, it was renovated in
2004 for the 2006 World Cup and now seats over 74,400 with Hertha BSC
being the home football club and for international athletics.
Hitler's plan was to have built in
Grunewald, the Reichssportfeld, and to develop a sports' complex for
physical education, the Deutsches Sportsforum. 326 acres was
designated with the Olympiastadion, the Maifeld (50,000) a huge lawn
for gymnastic demonstrations especially on May Day and could hold
250,000 people on surrounding banks.
When the British Army occupied barracks
close by after the war, they used the site for cricket and this became the home of
Berlin CC in 2012.
Another venue was the Waldbuhne
amphitheatre (25,000). In addition there were buildings for football,
swimming, equestrian and field hockey. The black and white photo shows the old site.
Now the stadium complex is 21st
Century modern and still retains the historic features of the old
building for which conservation was an important issue.
The Bell Tower for example was designed to view the whole of Berlin from its top. It is worth having a look at the Bell Tower's history which has experienced a variety of events in its life.
The Bell Tower for example was designed to view the whole of Berlin from its top. It is worth having a look at the Bell Tower's history which has experienced a variety of events in its life.
Rock concerts are held there.
There is forest around the area and
excellent access by public transport.
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