From 1961 to 1989 the Berlin Wall was the physical manifestation of the Iron Curtain, separating West Berlin from the surrounding German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Originally erected as a series of barriers and barbed wire, the proper wall was built just inside East Germany territory with a large cleared space before the wall known as the "death strip." This year marks the 30th year since the removal of the wall and the reunification of Berlin.

The construction site of the Berlin Wall is pictured on June 6, 1961.
Keystone-France/Getty Images