Rare and Amazing Color Photographs That Capture Street Scenes of Berlin From the Early 1940s

Berlin has a history spanning over 800 years. In that time, the capital of modern-day Germany has been the seat of royalty, before being divided by war and emerging as a centre of counterculture.

After 1900 Berlin became a major world city, known for its leadership roles in science, the humanities, music, museums, higher education, government, diplomacy and military affairs. It also had a role in manufacturing and finance.

During World War II, it was virtually destroyed by bombing, artillery, and ferocious street-by-street fighting. It was split between the victors, and lost its world leadership roles. With the reunification of Germany in 1990, Berlin was restored as a capital and as a major world city.

Here, these rare and amazing color photographs captured street scenes of Berlin in 1941-42.