Berlin State Library

The impressive building on your left, and which seems to take up the entire block, is the Berlin State Library. It is one of the largest research libraries in the world and the most prestigious in Germany, explaining its size. It was founded in 1661 by Friedrich Wilhelm, Elector of Brandenburg. It was later significantly expanded in the 18th century under Wilhelm II of Prussia at which point it was renamed the Royal Library. By the 19th century, it had acquired so many rare collections and new resources that it became a leading intellectual center, renowned all across Europe. During the war, the entire collection was hidden in monasteries and other secret locations. However, the Nazis still managed to burn around 20,000 books, and about 800,000 works were lost in the chaos of the conflict. Yet it remains a sanctuary of precious works, even today. And guess what? You can go inside and see them free of charge! Also, the new Stabi Kulturwerk museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. If you feel like seeing the manuscript of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor, or the oldest known fragment of the Bible in the world, this is the place to be! Feel free to take a look—the entrance is at the front of the building, on the main road.