The Berlin Cathedral

You are now standing before Berlin Cathedral! Also known as Berliner Dom, its grandeur and lavishness are no coincidence; which reflect its role as the church of the monarchy. The cathedral’s history is closely linked to the Berlin Palace, beginning in the 15th century with a small chapel inside the castle.
Originally used as a court church, it was later enlarged while preserving its Gothic style. When the emperor converted to Lutheranism, the cathedral was transformed into an Evangelical church. Over the centuries, the premises began to deteriorate. In 1750, King Frederick II ordered the construction of a new Baroque church. The grand cathedral you see today was built in 1905. By then, Germany had become a powerful empire following its victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. Emperor Wilhelm II wanted Berlin’s largest church to stand as an equal to St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Therefore, the architect designed the cathedral in a blend of both High Renaissance and Baroque styles. You can admire the magnificent monumental dome, surrounded by four towers and topped with a lantern crowned by a golden cross. The interior is just as impressive! Inside, you’ll find beautiful mosaics around the nave and especially a splendid marble altar, made by the sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch. For those curious about the cathedral’s famous crypt, you’ll have to wait until renovations are completed in 2025, this year. It holds 94 sarcophagi belonging to the Hohenzollern dynasty, which makes it one of the most significant burial sites in Europe, along with the Royal Crypt below the Saint-Denis Cathedral in Paris and the Royal Site of El Escorial near Madrid. In the meantime, you can visit the Cathedral Museum which displays drawings and architectural plans of the Berliner Dom, tracing the history of the building. Furthermore, you can also climb the 270 steps leading up to the dome, rewarding you with a breathtaking view of Berlin.
Finally, another unique way to explore the cathedral is by attending a concert during your stay. There are two renowned choirs, accompanied by the historic Sauer organ, that perform throughout the year, especially during the International Organ Summer and holiday concerts. A truly unique and mystical experience!