By Keltin is a huge history nerd and one of the things that he particularly wanted to do in Berlin was to tour the Reichstag building or more specifically the dome. This is an actively used government building that houses the German Parliament. It is free to visit but visitors do have to pre-register and bring their ID for verification when visiting.
Pre-WWII (VERY) Brief History
Construction on the Reichstag began in 1884 and was initially completed in 1894. The building was used to house parliament until September 27th 1933 when the building caught fire by way of arson. There is no physical evidence that Hitler ordered the burning of the building. That being said, he used the destruction of this important government building as the inciting incident to consolidate power within the German government. This concentration of power eventually led to WWII.
The fire essentially hollowed out the building. The only original part of the building that remains from the initial construction is the stone facade that is seen on the outside. Much of the building was also destroyed in bombings during World War II. Please see a more detailed history here.
Post WWII
The restoration and new dome were completed in April of 1999. The dome is the main portion of the building that is open to visitors. Visitors have access to an audio tour that I do recommend. Around the base of the dome visitors can read about the history of the building and the role the burning played in the Nazi regime. Looking down through the glass ceiling you can see into the parliament chamber. This glass ceiling is representative of the transparency of the German government post WWII. The room is also lit by reflected sunlight and the dome circulates the hot air in the building to help regulate the hot air. The design is meant to be sustainable and impressive.
The audio tour begins once you begin to walk up the ramp to the top of the dome. The walk offers a great view of the city and the tour provides information on the buildings that can be seen across the city. The rest of the roof is open as well to walk and look out over the city and the Tiergarten. I will warn that the roof was wet and cold in February. That being said, we were comfortable in the dome when protected from the elements.
The Reichstag was just the start to a very history packed three days. As I mentioned earlier, if you do intend to visit pre-registration is required. You will have to go through security and show your ID in the time slot you registered for. If history is your thing, I do recommend a visit. Where do you like to visit when in a new city? Let me know in the comments and safe travels!
Thank you KW Photography for allowing me to use your wonderful photos!
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McGee Travel Tales 
It reminds me of the story of when Rome burned and Nero blamed the Christians, though there were suspicions he had started it.
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With what I have learned about Nero that does not surprise me.
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