To visit Berlin and not see the Reichstag would probably be wrong. So we decided not to break traditions and went to inspect it. There was no goal to get inside, especially since to do this you need to sign up in advance on the website. So we just walked around and, in addition to the Reichstag, looked at three more parliamentary buildings located nearby.

So, let's go to the Reichstag...

Living sculpture. This is the first time I've seen someone portray a beggar. That is, throw a coin into the bucket, and I’ll just lie by the fence)))

And behind the fence there is a real, but strange sculpture:

We approach the Reichstag from the rear:

The facade of the building is decorated with quite classical sculptures:

And I really like this view of the Reichstag:

When walking around Berlin, don't forget to look at your step. You might see some interesting things. For example, a sewer hatch with a picture of a local TV tower. The leg in the frame is not mine)))

Or the place where the Berlin Wall used to be erected:

But still, we pay all our attention to the Reichstag building:

And a little historical chronicle.
On December 5, 1894, the grand opening of the Reichstag building took place after 10 years of construction. The architect was Paul Wallot:

On November 9, 1918, Social Democratic politician Philipp Scheidemann proclaims Germany a republic from the window of the Reichstag after Reich Chancellor Max von Baden voluntarily announced the abdication of Wilhelm II at noon of the same day:

On February 27, 1933, after the National Socialists came to power under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the fire in the Reichstag became a symbol of the end of parliamentary democracy in Germany and a pretext for the persecution of political opponents:

In memory of the victims of these persecutions, a memorial was erected at the Reichstag entitled “Monument to the 96 Reichstag Deputies Killed by the Nazis.” It is a series of vertical cast iron slabs, each of which is a monument to a Reichstag deputy who became a victim of the Nazis in the period 1933-1945 from the moment the Nazis came to power in Germany until the victory over Nazism:

The memorial was erected in 1992, although the idea to install a monument arose back in 1985.
Among the 96 victims, 90 were men and 6 women.
Most of the victims were members of the Communist Party of Germany (43 people) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (41 people):

If you get closer, you can see that on the top edge of each slab is the name of the victim, date of death and party affiliation:

But let's continue with the Reichstag chronicles.
May 1945 - end of World War II. The red banner of the Soviet Army flies on the Reichstag building as a sign of victory over National Socialist Germany.
And already on September 9, 1948, over 350,000 Berliners gathered at a rally in front of the Reichstag building during the blockade of Berlin organized by the Soviet Union. Mayor Ernst Reuther, against the backdrop of a heavily damaged building, delivers his famous speech, which contains the call: “Peoples of the world... Look at this city”:

On August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected in close proximity to the Reichstag. However, the restoration of the building was completed, since 1973 it has provided premises for a historical exhibition, as well as meeting rooms for the bodies and factions of the Bundestag:

On October 4, 1990, the first meeting of the first all-German Bundestag takes place in the Reichstag building.
And on June 20, 1991, the German Bundestag in Bonn decided by 338 votes to 320 to move to Berlin to the Reichstag building. After a competition, architect Norman Foster is entrusted with rebuilding the building.
And in May 1995, the council of elders, after controversial debates, decided to erect a modern glass dome, inside which people can walk:

Between June 24 and July 6, 1995, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude shroud the Reichstag building, turning it into a work of art and attracting approximately five million visitors. After the artistic event, the reconstruction of the building begins:

And so on April 19, 1999, the Bundestag received the rebuilt Reichstag building in Berlin. Norman Foster gives the President of the Bundestag Wolfgang Thierse a symbolic key to the building.
And in the summer of 1999, the Bundestag moved from Bonn to Berlin. The first session week of the Bundestag in Berlin begins on September 6:

But the parliamentary quarter is not limited to just the Reichstag building. After the decision was made to move the parliament and government to Berlin from Bonn, three new parliamentary buildings appeared around the Reichstag: the Jakob-Kaiser-House, the Paul-Löbe-House and the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus. They combine transparent architecture, a high level of functionality and innovative technologies that do not harm the environment.
Pictured below is the Paul Löbe House, named after the last democratic president of the Reichstag during the Weimar Republic, Paul Löbe. This building, about 200 meters long and about 100 meters wide, houses two-level meeting rooms for parliamentary committees in eight rotundas:

And this new Bundestag building, named after the liberal politician Marie-Elisabeth Lüders, houses the parliament's information and service center, including a library, archive, press documentation department and scientific services:

I did not photograph the Jacob Kaiser House. I can only say that this is the largest of the new parliamentary buildings, and it primarily houses the factions and their employees. The complex of this building consists of eight buildings.
And I really hope that I didn’t confuse the names of the other two buildings with their photographs)))

That's all I wanted to tell you about our walk through the parliamentary quarter around the Reichstag.
There is one more photo left, which I took while in that area. This tower, located in the north-eastern part of the Tiergarten park, houses a carillon:

The Berlin carillon is a large hand-held musical instrument that consists of 68 bells weighing 48 tons, connected to a keyboard. The largest bell here weighs 7.8 tons. The carillon was cast in Holland at the Royal Eisbouts Foundry and is one of the largest carillons in Europe and the fourth largest number of bells in the world. The carillonneur sits in a special room in the middle of the bells and plays with his hands and feet on a keyboard with keys and pedals. The mechanical control system allows you to play in all dynamic ranges - from the quietest to the loudest.

This concludes our walk around the Reichstag, but I still have something to tell about Berlin itself.
Therefore, see you in the capital of Germany!

The permanent address of my photo reports on all trips is here: veryold.ru

Hello dear readers! I'll ask a question right away. Straight to the point: name the most famous building in Berlin. 1, 2, 3... Since childhood we have seen him in films. Surely you named the Reichstag building in Berlin. For many, this is a religious building with global significance. Especially for Russians. Today we will tell you more about it.

The Reichstag is a building where, from 1894 to 1933, the state body, which was called the Reichstag of the German Empire, met. It now houses the Federal Assembly or Bundestag.

From the history of the Reichstag

For the first time, the idea of ​​​​building such a structure where the government could meet arose after the “Iron Chancellor” Otto Bismarck united the German principalities.

The planned structure was supposed to be a reflection of the power and strength of the country. The location for it was decided fairly quickly. The choice fell on Kaiser Square, now Republic Square.

The whole problem was that the owner of this land on the banks of the Spree, Count Rachinsky, did not want to give it up for construction. His son turned out to be more accommodating. And after the death of the count, the German government was able to obtain the land.

Construction started in 1884 under William I. Paul Wallot was chosen as the author of the building's design. Construction lasted for ten years. The result was a majestic structure in the Italian Renaissance style.

In February 1933, the Reichstag burned down. Who organized the arson of the building is a dark matter. But thanks to this, the Nazis received carte blanche and dealt with their political opponents. For some time the building was used for propaganda meetings. During the war it served military purposes.

In 1945, one of the key events in the life of this building took place. During the Battle of Berlin, USSR troops raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag. They also left inscriptions on the walls of the building, many of which were preserved during restoration.

In total, the history of the building knows two reconstructions. The first occurred in the 1960s. Then some of the Soviet inscriptions were painted over. This was discovered during the second reconstruction in the 1990s.

As a result, it was decided to remove Nazi and obscene statements from the walls. A total of 159 inscriptions were left, most of which are located indoors.

Inside the Reichstag 1945


A few meters from the Reichstag there was another historically significant structure, erected in August 1961. The Reichstag building was located in the western part of Berlin.

Every tourist who came to West Berlin wanted to climb the Reichstag to see the divided city and life in East Berlin.

Some time after its fall and the unification of Germany, the first meeting of the Bundestag was held in the Reichstag.

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Modern Reichstag

But for the German parliament of a united Germany, a modern building was required, while preserving its historical features. The reconstruction of the Reichstag was entrusted to the architect Norman Foster. He managed to create a comfortable space for the work of parliament on the basis of the majestic old building.

The ground floor became technical; the secretariat was located on the first floor. On the second floor there is a spacious meeting room. The floors above are given to management structures.

Well, the modern building is crowned with a roof-terrace and a huge glass dome.

For all its scale, the construction looks surprisingly easy. This effect is created thanks to the materials used in construction. The interior design of the building also has its own highlight: the doors of each floor are painted in a different color.

Additional lightness, and at the same time grandeur, is given to the building by another detail – the transparent dome.

I must say that before the start of reconstruction there was a competition. 80 applications were received. Norman Foster, a British lord by birth and an architect by training, won.

The renovation project initially called for a flat roof. But with a flat roof, the Reichstag building lacked grandeur. Many believed that it would become like a giant gas station. Then Norman Foster came up with the original design of a transparent dome.

The reconstruction cost 600 million marks.

In 1999, the Reichstag building was opened. Just at this time, Berlin became the capital of Germany. During the times of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, the capitals were Bonn and Berlin

The glass dome is not just a decorative architectural feature. Below it there is an observation deck from where a stunning panorama of Berlin opens. The height above ground level is 47 meters. The dome is also part of the building's eco-energy system.

Another interesting detail of the structure’s appearance is the allegorical statues located on the towers. They symbolize all aspects of the life of the state: the industrial sector, the army, agriculture, art, brewing and so on. There are sixteen such statues in total.

Free excursions

Now the Reichstag is one of the key attractions of Berlin. 8,000 tourists visit it every day. Some people want to touch history, while others want to see a stunning view of the city from the observation deck.

Previously, to visit the Reichstag, you had to stand in a huge line.

Since 2011, entry to the Reichstag building is only by prior online reservation.

What will you see on the tour

There are 4 types of tours of the Reichstag (see information below).

We must remember that the government works in the Reichstag and the parliament sits.

  • You can see how the parliament works (excursion - 1)
  • See the work of parliament and climb the dome (excursion - 2)
    You will walk through the rooms and halls of the Reichstag open to tourists. You will see walls with inscriptions of victorious soldiers (soldier's graffiti), hear a story about the voting and meeting rooms, see a meditation room, Angela Merkel's office, visit the archives where files on deputies are collected, the earliest of which date back to the 19th century.
  • The end of the excursion is the observation deck under the glass dome (excursion - 3).
  • You don’t have to take a tour of the Reichstag building, but go straight up to the observation deck (tour -4)

Whatever type of excursion you choose, you need to sign up for it in advance.

You can visit the Reichstag daily from 8.00 to 23.00

All types of excursions are absolutely free.

Additional information for tourists

You can enter the Reichstag building absolutely free. To do this, just go to the Bundestag website and register there for a tour.

Official website of the Bundestag, where you can read information and book a tour of the Reichstag: www.bundestag.de

Excursions are conducted in English, German, Russian and other languages. But in order for the excursion to take place, at least 10 people are needed.

There may not be that many Russians for the time and day you choose.

The site provides the opportunity to select 1 day and + 2 other alternative days. A fixed hour and 2 alternative hours for the start of the tour.

Alternative days and times are available if there is no excursion available on your chosen day and time.

Another option: If you know English, it is better to choose it. This excursion is easy to set up. And for those who do not know English, there is an audio guide in Russian, which you can take absolutely free.

Then you can visit on the day and time you want, with an English-language excursion, but during the excursion you will listen to your audio guide.

How to book an excursion (Detailed instructions)

  • Go to the official website of the Bundestag: https://www.bundestag.de/
  • Select a language (in the upper left corner) for example English
  • Select "online registration"

  • Select type of visit:
  1. Attendance at plenary sessions followed by a visit to the Reichstag dome
  2. Lectures through the visitors' gallery to the plenary hall followed by a visit to the Reichstag dome
  3. Guided tour followed by visit to the Reichstag dome
  4. Visit to the Reichstag dome
  • Enter the number of people (how many of you there will be). Click the “next” button
  • On the next page, check if you have filled out everything correctly and confirm - enter the captcha. Click "next"
  • Select the week, day and time of visit. It is better to choose 2 weeks or earlier. If you decide to make your choice two days in advance or on the eve of your visit, there may no longer be places available.
  • On the next page, fill out a short form.
  • We agree with the rules - check the box. Click “save” (“save request”).
  • A letter from the Bundestag website (excursions to the Reichstag) will be sent to the e-mail address you specified.
  • Follow the link in this letter.
  • Fill out the form again with your data.
  • A new letter will be sent to your email letting you know whether your application has been accepted or if you need to provide additional information.
  • You receive a final letter. This is confirmation of your excursion. This is your pass to the Reichstag building - a ticket.

The confirmation must be printed.
It is valid only upon presentation of your passport.

For some, the Reichstag is the main building of German fascism, for others it is one of the symbols of the victory of the Soviet army, for others it is simply an example of stunning architecture. Everyone has their own attitude towards this building. One thing is certain: it is a must-visit. And we sincerely hope that you will succeed soon.

Where to stay in Berlin

Now many housing options in Berlin have appeared on the service AirBnb. We have written how to use this service. If you do not find a free hotel room, then look for accommodation through this booking site.

We lived in Hotel Adam

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany

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In May 1945, heavy fighting took place in Berlin. Despite Hitler's order “Berlin will not capitulate,” the city fell to the combined forces of the Soviet army and allies 70 years ago - on May 2, 1945.

For the anniversary of this significant event, German photographer Fabrizio Bensch has prepared a photo project, thanks to which you can compare Berlin, destroyed 70 years ago, with what it looks like now. Fabrizio used archival photographs taken in 1945 by Soviet photographer Georgy Samsonov.

(Total 11 photos)

1. The Reichstag building, where the parliament of the Third Reich was located 70 years ago and where the German Bundestag now sits. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

2. Soviet soldiers on the roof of the Reichstag. Below is the same view today. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

3. Neighborhood of the Reichstag. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

4. The building of the German Parliament. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

5. Using the captions on the photographs and information about the operations of the Red Army in Berlin, the photographer found the same places on the city map and photographed them. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

6. These photographs remind us of how tanks and heavy artillery moved through today’s peaceful streets and squares 70 years ago. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

7. According to Fabrizio, it was very difficult to find the same places and prospects. Street names changed and many buildings were never restored. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

8. At some point, according to Fabrizio, he felt the presence of Georgy Samsonov next to him: “I could accurately imagine the battle taking place nearby, explosions, shots.” (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

9. To give his photographs authenticity, the German photographer took them with the same model of camera that Samsonov used - a Soviet FED camera. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

10. Comparison of photographs of modern Berlin with photographs taken 70 years ago, shortly before the city’s surrender in 1945. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

11. Comparison of photographs of modern Berlin with photographs taken 70 years ago, shortly before the city’s surrender in 1945. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).

The final battle of the Great Patriotic War was the Battle of Berlin, or the Berlin Strategic Offensive Operation, which took place from April 16 to May 8, 1945.

On April 16, at 3 o'clock local time, aviation and artillery preparation began in the sector of the 1st Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian fronts. After its completion, 143 searchlights were turned on to blind the enemy, and infantry, supported by tanks, went on the attack. Without encountering strong resistance, she advanced 1.5-2 kilometers. However, the further our troops advanced, the stronger the enemy’s resistance grew.

The troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front carried out a rapid maneuver to reach Berlin from the south and west. On April 25, troops of the 1st Ukrainian and 1st Belorussian Fronts united west of Berlin, completing the encirclement of the entire Berlin enemy group.

The liquidation of the Berlin enemy group directly in the city continued until May 2. Every street and house had to be stormed. On April 29, battles began for the Reichstag, the capture of which was entrusted to the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army of the 1st Belorussian Front.

Before the storming of the Reichstag, the Military Council of the 3rd Shock Army presented its divisions with nine Red Banners, specially made to resemble the State Flag of the USSR. One of these Red Banners, known as No. 5 as the Victory Banner, was transferred to the 150th Infantry Division. Similar homemade red banners, flags and flags were available in all forward units, formations and subunits. They, as a rule, were awarded to assault groups, which were recruited from among volunteers and went into battle with the main task - to break into the Reichstag and plant the Victory Banner on it. The first, at 22:30 Moscow time on April 30, 1945, to hoist the assault red banner on the roof of the Reichstag on the sculptural figure “Goddess of Victory” were reconnaissance artillerymen of the 136th Army Cannon Artillery Brigade, senior sergeants G.K. Zagitov, A.F. Lisimenko, A.P. Bobrov and Sergeant A.P. Minin from the assault group of the 79th Rifle Corps, commanded by Captain V.N. Makov, the assault artillery group acted together with the battalion of captain S.A. Neustroeva. Two or three hours later, also on the roof of the Reichstag on the sculpture of an equestrian knight - Kaiser Wilhelm - on the orders of the commander of the 756th Infantry Regiment of the 150th Infantry Division, Colonel F.M. Zinchenko erected Red Banner No. 5, which later became famous as the Victory Banner. Red Banner No. 5 was hoisted by scouts Sergeant M.A. Egorov and junior sergeant M.V. Kantaria, who were accompanied by Lieutenant A.P. Berest and machine gunners from the company of senior sergeant I.Ya. Syanova.

The fighting for the Reichstag continued until the morning of May 1. At 6:30 a.m. on May 2, the chief of defense of Berlin, artillery general G. Weidling, surrendered and gave the order to the remnants of the Berlin garrison to cease resistance. In the middle of the day, the Nazi resistance in the city ceased. On the same day, surrounded groups of German troops southeast of Berlin were eliminated.

On May 9 at 0:43 Moscow time, Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, as well as representatives of the German Navy, who had the appropriate authority from Doenitz, in the presence of Marshal G.K. Zhukov, on the Soviet side, signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany. A brilliantly executed operation, coupled with the courage of Soviet soldiers and officers who fought to end the four-year nightmare of war, led to a logical result: Victory.

Capture of Berlin. 1945 Documentary

PROGRESS OF THE BATTLE

The Berlin operation of the Soviet troops began. Goal: complete the defeat of Germany, capture Berlin, unite with the allies

The infantry and tanks of the 1st Belorussian Front began the attack before dawn under the illumination of anti-aircraft searchlights and advanced 1.5-2 km

With the onset of dawn on the Seelow Heights, the Germans came to their senses and fought with ferocity. Zhukov brings tank armies into battle

16 Apr 45 The troops of Konev's 1st Ukrainian Front encounter less resistance on the path of their advance and immediately cross the Neisse

The commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front, Konev, orders the commanders of his tank armies, Rybalko and Lelyushenko, to advance on Berlin

Konev demands that Rybalko and Lelyushenko not get involved in protracted and frontal battles, and move forward more boldly towards Berlin

In the battles for Berlin, Hero of the Soviet Union, commander of a tank battalion of the Guards, died twice. Mr. S. Khokhryakov

The 2nd Belorussian Front of Rokossovsky joined the Berlin operation, covering the right flank.

By the end of the day, Konev’s front completed the breakthrough of the Neissen defense line and crossed the river. Spree and provided conditions for the encirclement of Berlin from the south

Troops of the 1st Belorussian Front Zhukov spend the whole day breaking the 3rd line of enemy defense on the Oderen on the Seelow Heights

By the end of the day, Zhukov’s troops completed the breakthrough of the 3rd line of the Oder line on the Seelow Heights

On the left wing of Zhukov’s front, conditions were created to cut off the enemy’s Frankfurt-Guben group from the Berlin area

Directive of the Supreme High Command Headquarters to the commander of the 1st Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian Fronts: “Treat the Germans better.” , Antonov

Another directive from Headquarters: on identification marks and signals when meeting Soviet armies and Allied troops

At 13.50, the long-range artillery of the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army was the first to open fire on Berlin - the beginning of the assault on the city itself

Apr 20 45 Konev and Zhukov send almost identical orders to the troops of their fronts: “Be the first to break into Berlin!”

By evening, formations of the 2nd Guards Tank, 3rd and 5th Shock Armies of the 1st Belorussian Front reached the northeastern outskirts of Berlin

The 8th Guards and 1st Guards Tank Armies wedged into the city defensive perimeter of Berlin in the areas of Petershagen and Erkner

Hitler ordered the 12th Army, previously aimed at the Americans, to be turned against the 1st Ukrainian Front. It now has the goal of connecting with the remnants of the 9th and 4th Panzer armies, making their way south of Berlin to the west.

3rd Guards Tank Army Rybalko broke into the southern part of Berlin and by 17.30 was fighting for Teltow - Konev’s telegram to Stalin

Hitler refused to leave Berlin for the last time while there was such an opportunity. Goebbels and his family moved to a bunker under the Reich Chancellery (“Fuhrer’s bunker”)

Assault flags were presented by the Military Council of the 3rd Shock Army to the divisions storming Berlin. Among them is the flag that became the banner of victory - the assault flag of the 150th Infantry Division

In the area of ​​Spremberg, Soviet troops eliminated the encircled group of Germans. Among the destroyed units was the tank division "Fuhrer's Guard"

Troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front are fighting in the south of Berlin. At the same time they reached the Elbe River northwest of Dresden

Goering, who left Berlin, turned to Hitler on the radio, asking him to approve him at the head of the government. Received an order from Hitler removing him from the government. Bormann ordered Goering's arrest for treason

Himmler unsuccessfully tries, through the Swedish diplomat Bernadotte, to offer the Allies surrender on the Western Front.

Shock formations of the 1st Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian fronts in the Brandenburg region closed the encirclement of German troops in Berlin

German 9th and 4th tank forces. armies are surrounded in the forests southeast of Berlin. Units of the 1st Ukrainian Front repulse the counterattack of the 12th German Army

Report: “In the Berlin suburb of Ransdorf there are restaurants where they “willingly sell” beer to our fighters for occupation stamps.” The head of the political department of the 28th Guards Rifle Regiment, Borodin, ordered the owners of Ransdorf restaurants to close them until the battle was over.

In the area of ​​​​Torgau on the Elbe, Soviet troops of the 1st Ukrainian fr. met with the troops of the 12th American Army Group of General Bradley

Having crossed the Spree, the troops of Konev's 1st Ukrainian Front and Zhukov's 1st Belorussian Front are rushing towards the center of Berlin. Nothing can stop the rush of Soviet soldiers in Berlin

Troops of the 1st Belorussian Front in Berlin occupied Gartenstadt and Görlitz station, troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front occupied the Dahlem district

Konev turned to Zhukov with a proposal to change the demarcation line between their fronts in Berlin - the center of the city should be transferred to the front

Zhukov asks Stalin to honor the capture of the center of Berlin by the troops of his front, replacing Konev's troops in the south of the city

The General Staff orders Konev's troops, who have already reached Tiergarten, to transfer their offensive zone to Zhukov's troops

Order No. 1 of the military commandant of Berlin, Hero of the Soviet Union, Colonel General Berzarin, on the transfer of all power in Berlin to the hands of the Soviet military commandant's office. It was announced to the population of the city that the National Socialist Party of Germany and its organizations were dissolved and their activities were prohibited. The order established the order of behavior of the population and determined the basic provisions necessary to normalize life in the city.

Battles began for the Reichstag, the capture of which was entrusted to the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army of the 1st Belorussian Front

When breaking through the barriers on the Berlin Kaiserallee, N. Shendrikov’s tank received 2 holes, caught fire, and the crew was disabled. The mortally wounded commander, gathering his last strength, sat down at the control levers and threw the flaming tank at the enemy gun.

Hitler's wedding to Eva Braun in a bunker under the Reich Chancellery. Witness - Goebbels. In his political will, Hitler expelled Goering from the NSDAP and officially named Grand Admiral Dönitz as his successor.

Soviet units are fighting for the Berlin metro

The Soviet command rejected the attempts of the German command to begin negotiations on the time. ceasefire. There is only one demand - surrender!

The assault on the Reichstag building itself began, which was defended by more than 1000 Germans and SS men from different countries

Several red banners were fixed in different places of the Reichstag - from regimental and divisional to homemade

Scouts of the 150th division Egorov and Kantaria were ordered to hoist the Red Banner over the Reichstag around midnight

Lieutenant Berest from Neustroev's battalion led the combat mission to plant the Banner over the Reichstag. Installed around 3.00, May 1

Hitler committed suicide in the Reich Chancellery bunker by taking poison and shooting himself in the temple with a pistol. Hitler's corpse is burned in the courtyard of the Reich Chancellery

Hitler leaves Goebbels as Reich Chancellor, who commits suicide the next day. Before his death, Hitler appointed Bormann Reich Minister for Party Affairs (previously such a post did not exist)

Troops of the 1st Belorussian Front captured Bandenburg, in Berlin they cleared the areas of Charlottenburg, Schöneberg and 100 blocks

In Berlin, Goebbels and his wife Magda committed suicide, having previously killed their 6 children

The commander arrived at the headquarters of Chuikov's army in Berlin. German General Staff Krebs, reported Hitler's suicide, proposed a truce. Stalin confirmed his categorical demand for unconditional surrender in Berlin. At 18 o'clock the Germans rejected it

At 18.30, due to the refusal of surrender, a fire strike was launched at the Berlin garrison. Mass surrender of Germans began

At 01.00, the radios of the 1st Belorussian Front received a message in Russian: “We ask you to cease fire. We are sending envoys to the Potsdam Bridge."

A German officer, on behalf of the commander of the defense of Berlin Weidling, announced the readiness of the Berlin garrison to stop resistance

At 6.00 General Weidling surrendered and an hour later signed an order for the surrender of the Berlin garrison

Enemy resistance in Berlin has completely ceased. The remnants of the garrison surrender en masse

In Berlin, Goebbels' deputy for propaganda and press, Dr. Fritsche, was captured. Fritsche testified during interrogation that Hitler, Goebbels and Chief of the General Staff General Krebs committed suicide

Stalin's order on the contribution of the Zhukov and Konev fronts to the defeat of the Berlin group. By 21.00, 70 thousand Germans had already surrendered.

The irretrievable losses of the Red Army in the Berlin operation were 78 thousand people. Enemy losses - 1 million, incl. 150 thousand killed

Soviet field kitchens are deployed throughout Berlin, where “wild barbarians” feed hungry Berliners