Potsdamer Square
The Potsdamer Platz is a public square situated in the heart of Berlin. The square is home to several public attractions and is considered one of the most important public squares in Berlin. Lying approximately one kilometer south of the Brandenburg Gate and the German Parliament Building, the square is named after the city of Potsdam. The Potsdamer Platz was once the meeting point of several small, country roads. Its locality made it a trading post by nature. Originally, the square was known as the Achtech (Octagon) because it featured more than 4 sides as a traditional public square does. On Sept. 15, 1814, the square was given a new name Leipziger Platz in honor of the site of Prussia's final defeat of Napoleon Bonoparte at the Battle of Leipzig in October 1813. This battle was pivotal for the country because it concluded the Napoleonic Wars (Wars of Liberation). The square experienced numerous name changes as its popularity shifted throughout the years. Today the Potsdamer Platz is considered a Berlin ìhallmark.î It is home to the Sony Centre and situated near several other amenities including a large shopping centre, hotels and restaurants. The platz is within walking distance to the railway system, making it easily accessible for visitors and local residents.
