When the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, the 99 mile long fortification was overlooked by 302 Watchtowers.
The East German Watchtowers were used for guarding the Wall, but also served as Guard-posts for Prisons, Storage Facilities and a wide range of military facilities.
The wall came down so quickly roughly 1% of it has survived as a memorial, 9 East German Watchtowers remain in Berlin. Here is one that stands unloved and forlorn off the tourist route.
The tower has been given listed status
The surrounding buildings which once had housed units of the personal protection dept. of the Stasi as well as the Government Motor Cycle Escort Unit have now been converted to apartments and commercial businesses.
Prior to 1945, the goods yard was the home of Askania Werke, manufacturers of aeronautical and navigational equipment.
The East German Watchtowers were used for guarding the Wall, but also served as Guard-posts for Prisons, Storage Facilities and a wide range of military facilities.
The wall came down so quickly roughly 1% of it has survived as a memorial, 9 East German Watchtowers remain in Berlin. Here is one that stands unloved and forlorn off the tourist route.
The tower has been given listed status
The surrounding buildings which once had housed units of the personal protection dept. of the Stasi as well as the Government Motor Cycle Escort Unit have now been converted to apartments and commercial businesses.
Prior to 1945, the goods yard was the home of Askania Werke, manufacturers of aeronautical and navigational equipment.