The challenge this week is to show something ornate – unabashedly so, whether deliberate or not. So, I visited Brandenburg Gate today.

It marks the entry into the Unter den Linden, the wide and beautiful boulevard flanked by linden trees. It’s said that the middle part was reserved for royalty only to pass through. Neoclassical in design and built in the 18th century, it was badly damaged at the end of World War II.

Erection of barriers began at this location separating East and West Berlin in the early hours of 13 August 1961. The barriers were gradually transformed into the heavily fortified Berlin Wall.

On 9 November 1989 a jubilant crowd gathered in front of the gate and the crossing points between east and west were opened. The Brandenburg Gate opened  on 22 December 1989.

I have only now realised that I visited today, the 7 November, just two days before 26th anniversary the fall of the Berlin Wall. I wonder if that was the reason for the demonstration and lots of police presence with roads blocked to traffic?