Berlin
Where history was made
The name Schöneberg Town Hall (Rathaus Schöneberg) may not provoke any immediate recognition, but an event that took place on its steps almost certainly will.
During Berlin's years of division, the building served as West Berlin's City Hall, and it was here in 1963 that President John F Kennedy gave a speech ending with the now famous words 'Ich bin ein Berliner'.
The building's association with the USA extends even further: its 230-foot clock tower houses a replica of the Liberty Bell, partly paid for by contributions from over 7 million Americans and presented to Berlin in 1950.
But the town hall is not only a site of historical significance, it's an often overlooked architectural highlight besides.
Built between 1911 and 1914, the building's interior boasts fine terracotta detailing and impressively grand, soaring spaces.
It'd be a pity to miss out on at least a quick look at this Berlin gem, and with plenty of other things to see and do in the area - such as a sprawling flea market that's held right in front of the Rathaus every weekend - there's really no reason not to.
See also:
An extraordinary trio of churches
A metro station in a lake
Europe's best party supplies store?
Further facts
The Liberty Bell replica that hangs in the Rathaus Schöneberg's tower is known as the Freedom Bell (Freiheitsglocke), and is rung daily at noon, and at midnight on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
It has also tolled on several momentous occasions: the 1953 East German Uprising, the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, Germany's Reunification in 1990 and during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Schöneberg Town Hall (Rathaus Schöneberg): John-F. -Kennedy-Platz 1,
10825 Berlin
Flea market:
John-F. -Kennedy-Platz 1,
10825 Berlin. Sat and Sun, 9am-4pm
