Unter den Linden ("under the linden trees") is a boulevard in the centre of Berlin, the capital of Germany. It is named for its linden (lime in British English) trees that line the grassed pedestrian mall between two carriageways. Unter den Linden runs east–west from the Brandenburg Gate to the former site of the imperial palace (Berliner Stadtschloss) where the Palast der Republik is currently being demolished (2007). The boulevard crosses the River Spree and continues as Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. Major north–south streets crossing Unter den Linden are Friedrichstraße and Wilhelmstraße.
A boulevard of linden trees was planted from 1647 extending from the electoral palace to the gates of the city by Friedrich Wilhelm, the “Great Elector” who wanted to beautify the route from his castle to his hunting park, the Tiergarten. By the 19th century, as Berlin grew and expanded to the west, Unter den Linden became the best-known and grandest street in Berlin. During the last days of World War II most of the linden trees were destroyed or cut down for firewood. The trees were replanted in the 1950scitation needed.
Along Unter den Linden
An aerial view of Unter den Linden
The eastern end at the Schlossbrücke (palace bridge)
The Berlin State Opera, one of many public buildings in the classical style along the Unter den Linden.
The Zeughaus (now the German Historical Museum) is the oldest building on Unter den Linden, built between 1695 and 1706.
The Neue Wache (new watchhouse), considered by many to be Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s masterpiece, was built in 1817 and is now the National War Memorial.