The Reichstag is one of Germany’s most famous buildings. And not without reason.

Built between 1884 and 1894 to plans by the architect Paul Wallot, it was controversial from the outset. Emperor Wilhelm II hated it. He disparagingly referred to the building as a ‘Reichsaffenkasten’ (Reich monkey cage): too elaborate and too pompous for his taste. Nevertheless, the German Parliament moved in there in 1894.

In 1933, the Reichstag burned down. The Nazis used the fire as a pretext to persecute their political opponents. During the Second World War, the building was severely damaged; after the division of Berlin, it stood empty for decades — right next to the Wall, on the West Berlin side, with no one really making use of it.

It was only after reunification that the Reichstag regained its role. And before the famous dome was built, Christo wrapped the building. For two weeks in the summer of 1995, the Reichstag was wrapped in 100,000 square metres of shimmering silver polypropylene fabric. Christo had fought for this project for over 20 years, submitting applications and trying to persuade politicians, only to fail time and again. Then came the Bundestag’s approval — and suddenly five million people flocked to Berlin to see a wrapped-up building.

Foster renovated the building between 1994 and 1999. His most famous alteration: the glass dome, which today attracts thousands of visitors every day. You can visit it for free every day by booking in advance, walk up to the top and look down through the glass cone into the plenary chamber. The idea behind it was clear: the public should literally be above politics. The Bundestag has been sitting there again since 1999.

**From Potsdamer Platz, it’s about a twelve-minute walk **along the Tiergarten until you see the imposing sandstone building ahead of you. If you’re in Berlin and have never been there before, it’s well worth a visit.