The Alexanderplatz, or also abbreviated to “Alex”, is a central square and transportation hub in the Mitte district. He is one of the most famous sights of the city. The place was named after the Russian Tsar Alexander I.
After being destroyed in the second world war, the square got its present form in the 60s and 70s. In the spring of 1964 a competition was announced for “redesigning Alexanderplatz”. The design of the contest winner saw two major points: the liberation from the traffic and improving the quality of the stay for pedestrians.
Until 1969 all the tram lines were removed and the today existing buildings arised: the former Centrum department store (now Galeria Kaufhof), formerly the Hotel Stadt Berlin (now Hotel Park Inn), the world clock and the Fountain of International Friendship.
In the same year the television tower was inaugurated after four years of construction, which with its 365 meters today is the tallest building in the Federal Republic.
Since 2004 the Alexanderplatz is being further remodeled. Nearby the “Alexa” was built which is one of the largest shopping centers in Berlin.