Pariser Platz is the square immediately behind the Brandenburg Gate when approaching the historic heart of Berlin from the zoological garden in the west.

In March 1814, after Prussian troops along with the other Allies captured Paris after the overthrow of Napoleon, it was renamed Pariser Platz to mark this triumph.

In fact, the Pariser Platz is located at the western end of Unter den Linden, the ceremonial axis of the city, down which the victorious troops of all regimes ranging from the Hohenzollern's to the German Democratic Republic have marched in triumph.

During the last years of World War II, all the buildings around the square were turned to rubble by air raids and heavy artillery bombardment.

The embassies would move back, the hotel and arts academy would be reinstated, and prestigious firms would be encouraged to build round the square.