The Brandenburg Gate is the defining symbol of Berlin, situated on Pariser Platz. It was formerly one of a number of city gates that allowed entry into Berlin, and today is the only one still standing. There are 12 Roman columns which make up the gate, which stands 26m tall. The gate was closed in 1961 when the Berlin Wall was built nearby to separate the East and West parts of the city; however, when the wall was demolished in 1989 the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of freedom and unity.