Berlin Cathedral

Berlin Cathedral is the largest evangelical church in Germany, located in the center of the capital, on Museum Island. This is not a cathedral, although it is officially called that, and is often compared to the entrance gate to Museum Island. The impressive architecture of the Berlin Cathedral attracts tourists from many countries around the world. About 720 thousand people visit it annually. The temple can accommodate more than 2000 pilgrims. During an important service, many believers always gathered in the church, especially during Easter, when the Kaiser and his family were always there.

The history of the Berlin Cathedral is closely connected with the Hohenzollern dynasty. Representatives of their various branches ruled Germany for centuries. Temples were built on this site several times. At the end of the 19th century, after the rise of the German Reich, the new empire needed a more impressive church. Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted it to be the largest cathedral in the world. It was built in 1894–1905 according to designs by Julius Raschdorf. Together with the dome, its height was 114 meters.

The architect took St. Peter's Church in Rome and St. Paul's Church in London as reference points. This construction cost the treasury 11.5 million Reichsmarks.

The World War II significantly damaged the temple. After reconstruction, its height is 98 meters. By the way, after the reunification of Germany, restoration work cost a large amount - 35 million euros.

The diameter of the large dome is 33 meters. Main entrance from Lustgarten Park.

The interior of the temple will surprise you with its luxury. In the center of the large dome there are round windows around the perimeter, from which light falls on a wonderful mosaic depicting themes of the New Testament. On the stained glass windows you will see scenes of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

The walls and columns are covered with colored marble and granite. The building is decorated with statues of the apostles and dukes of the Hohenzollern family.

Berlin Cathedral was the official church of the Kaisers. Their private rooms in the chapel were located on the second floor.

In the church there is a large organ made by the famous master Wilhelm Sauer.

On the opposite side of the organ are the luxurious gilded sarcophagi of Grand Duke Friedrich Wilhelm and his second wife Dorothea. Almost all representatives of the ruling dynasty are buried in the Berlin Cathedral. There are 94 sarcophagi in the crypt from XV-XX centuries.

There is an observation deck in the dome of the temple. From a height of 50 meters you can enjoy views of the historic center of Berlin. To get there, you have to climb 270 steps.