Berlin in ruins in 1945 and now. Striking image comparison
In May 1945 heavy fighting took place in Berlin. Despite Hitler's order "Berlin will not capitulate", the city fell to the combined forces of the Soviet army and the allies 70 years ago - on May 2, 1945.
For the anniversary of this momentous event, German photographer Fabrizio Bensch prepared a photo project thanks to which one can compare Berlin destroyed 70 years ago with how it looks now. Fabrizio used archival photographs taken in 1945 by Soviet photographer Georgy Samsonov.
(Total 11 photos)
1. The Reichstag building, where the parliament of the Third Reich was located 70 years ago and where the German Bundestag now sits. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
2. Soviet soldiers on the roof of the Reichstag. Below is the same view today. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
3. Surroundings of the Reichstag. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
4. The building of the German Parliament. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
5. Using the captions on the photographs and information about the operations of the Red Army in Berlin, the photographer found the same places on the city map and photographed them. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
6. These pictures are reminiscent of how tanks and heavy artillery moved along peaceful streets and squares today, 70 years ago. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
7. According to Fabrizio, it was very difficult to find the same places and perspectives. Street names have changed, many buildings have not been restored. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
8. At some point, according to Fabrizio, he felt the presence of Georgy Samsonov next to him: “I could accurately imagine the battle going on nearby, explosions, shots.” (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
9. To give his shots authenticity, the German photographer made them with the same camera model used by Samsonov - the Soviet FED camera. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
10. Comparison of photographs of modern Berlin with pictures taken 70 years ago, shortly before the surrender of the city in 1945. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
11. Comparison of photographs of modern Berlin with pictures taken 70 years ago, shortly before the surrender of the city in 1945. (Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / REUTERS / REUTERS).
Keywords: Berlin | World War II | Reichstag | Ruins | Comparison