The Alexanderplatz is a public transport hub in the middle of the city, near the Spree river. It is named after Russian Emperor Alexander I, after he visited Berlin in 1805. It was originally a cattle market, but with the construction of a station with the same name and a public market close by, it became a pretty notable center of commerce. Throughout it's life, it has been redesigned and developed, with the most recent being in the 1960's. The World Time Clock is housed within the Alexanderplatz. The World Time Clock is always rotating, showing the time throughout the world. There are other famous buildings held within, so visiting Alexanderplatz will not be a dissapointing trip! Alexanderplatz has been going through a slow transformation ever since the German reunification. There are several hotels around the platz, which makes it a definite place to visit to see the distinct characteristics that history has left Berlin with! 2007 saw the opening of the Alexa shopping mall, which is the home of 180 stores, so you will probably find something to buy as a gift or reminder of your trip to Berlin. Not only is there shopping, but there are many historical buildings in the area around Alexanderplatz.