Historically the gate is clearly the most important structure on the platz. The gate has been a symbol of the German nation since the time of its completion and because of its prominent location, it has repeatedly been celebrated and destroyed through Germany's turbulent history. From a tourist's point of view it is clearly the most famous building in Berlin and possibly in all of Germany. The Brandenburg Gate is perhaps one of the only symbols of Berlin that has survived the last two centuries. No other symbol in Berlin can match the Brandenburg Gate's notoriety and historical prestige. The Fernsehturm, despite being the most prominent, is rejected because of its association with the former GDR. The Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church is a powerful symbol, but only as a memorial to the destuction of war. The victory column is also impressive, but it is too closely related to Prussian militarism to be an appropriate symbol. The numerous cultural buildings in Berlin are also possibilities, but with so many, none of them can rise above the others in importance.

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