The Soviet War Memorial

Not exactly a big draw, the Soviet War Memorial is as curious as it is - shall we say - pompous. It sits on the fringes of Berlin's inner circle, and the reason why the current location was chosen can only be because not even Berlin was able to provide available space big enough to fit the massive scope of the memorial, Berlin's many green spaces, parks, etc.notwithstanding.

The memorial is curious for two reasons: 1. for its hero worship, and 2. for its omission of other armies and countries that contributed to the fall of Germany. While I'm certainly more than grateful for any Soviet soldier who lost his life to liberate Germany from the Nazis, it should be added that it took more than just the Red Army to get rid of Hitler, his cronies, not to mention the Wehrmacht and everybody else who supported him. 

Anyhow - the sheer size of the memorial, its pomposity, is also part of the attraction. Though by now listed in most every guide book on Berlin, only few tourists venture here since, as I said, it's a little off the beaten track.

The memorial has two entrances, both flanked by an arch

Seen here is one of sixteen pylons, one for each Soviet Republic, and eight pylons lining either side of the  memorial, with the scripture being in Russian on one side and  in German on the other. As you can see, Lenin features prominently on this one. 

The memorial's centerpiece is the sword wielding soldier. If you look closely, you'll see the destroyed swastika at his feet, symbolizing the victory over Nazi Germany.   

This photo was taken from the bottom of the soldier statue, looking down on the cemetery, flanked by pylons on both sides. 

Unfortunately, due to the memorial's scope, (my) photos are only marginally able to capture the atmosphere. So, I'd recommend you to visit the memorial the next time you're in Berlin. 

Your next S-Bahn stop would be Treptower Park.