Berlin grew out of the historical city centre, the Nikolai quarter and its adjacent town of Cölln, both situated along the River Spree. It expanded its territories with areas such as Dorotheenstadt and Friedrichstadt. The creation of Greater Berlin in 1920 incorporated many former independent towns and municipalities such as Spandau, Charlottenburg and Köpenick. Today, the urban environment of the metropolis also spreads to parts of Brandenburg and Potsdam. The decentralised development has resulted in a plethora of sights in Berlin – not just in the centre of the city, but also in the outlying boroughs. For various reasons among the world's most recognized symbols of Berlin are the Brandenburg Gate and its tallest landmark, the Berlin TV tower in Mitte. Skyline World Heritage Sites Capital buildings Religious buildings List of places of worship in Berlin Neighbourhoods Parks Monuments Museums List of museums and galleries in Berlin Entertainment venues Notable buildings Happenings See also Historic cemeteries in Berlin Berlin Memorial Plaques Alte Kommandantur Berlin State Library The Kennedys Museum Akademie der Künste St. Mary's Church St. Nicholas' Church Remnants of the old city wall of Berlin-Cölln Philological Library - Free University of Berlin External links Sights in Berlin Culture in Berlin Berlin-related lists Berlin Berlin