Berlin Photo Gallery - Nikolai Quarter

Described by one of the staff working in the area as a "Disneyland", Nikolai Quarter is a rebuilt old town between Berliner Dom and Alexanderplatz. The medieval-looking residential streets are complemented by a church that is no longer a church but a museum. During medieval times, merchants frequented this area and a church was built in the 13th century. A vibrant community of taverns, shops, and workshops grew. It all came to an end in 1944 when bombing raids destroyed the area. It took a few decades before restoration arrived in time for the city's 750th anniversary in 1987. The houses were rebuilt according to historic records, although by now they were surrounded by East Berlin's Communist-style highrises.