Topography of Terror

This is the site of the former headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS, whose ruins were demolished after the war. This served as the headquarters of the Third Reich leadership. In the basement, there were also prisons where those who were brave enough to oppose the regime were interrogated, tortured, and killed. You can also see a preserved section of the Berlin Wall that once ran through this area. The first exhibition dedicated to the Topography of Terror took place in 1987, marking Berlin’s 750th anniversary. The documentation center you see today was inaugurated in 2010, commemorating 65 years since the end of the war. Admission is free, for everyone, at all times. The exhibition is organised into five chronological sections: The Nazi Party’s rise to power. The regime of terror’s establishment by the SS and the police. The start of persecution and extermination within Reich territory. Crimes committed by the leadership across various territories. And finally, the end of the war and the post-war period, including the trials for crimes against humanity. The explanations are available in both German and English, and please note that some of the posters, documents, or photographs may be disturbing. This place sends shivers down your spine, but it remains a must-see when visiting Berlin, attracting more than 1,300,000 tourists each year. History enthusiasts, take your time – there is a lot to read and plenty of information to absorb.