Berlin Wall watchtower

The watchtower of the former Schlesischer Busch command post stands today in Schlesischer Park, between the boroughs of Kreuzberg and Treptow on Puschkinallee, as though it were nothing but a lookout tower for visitors. Only its rifle hatches and the searchlight on the roof, accessible from below, testify to its former role as a key part of the border regime.

This command post, around 10 meters high and 4.2 by 4.2 meters wide, was responsible for 18 watchtowers and the electronic security devices in this section of the border. The square-shaped tower was made of pre-cast concrete components and had four floors...