Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Located next to Lustgarten on Museum Island, The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom in German) is one of the most prominent landmarks in Berlin. The largest church in the city, it is an important Protestant church serving a congregation from Berlin and the surrounding community.
History
It is advantageous to know some history behind the iconic buildings we visit. The Berlin Cathedral has roots dating back to the 15th century when it comprised several buildings that were part of the Berlin City Palace.
Early in the nineteenth century, architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel changed the church into a neoclassical building. When Wilhelm II became emperor in 1888, he stood firm on creating a new church to better reflect the prestige of the monarchy.
It took three attempts at designing the new church for architect Julius Karl Raschdorf to satisfy the vision of Wilhelm II. He was looking for something comparable in grandeur to St Pauls Cathedral in London and St Peter’s in Rome. Construction of the new church took place between 1893 and 1905.
The Berlin Cathedral, like many buildings in Berlin, suffered heavy damage in the Second World War. Being in East Berlin after the war, some restoration work did take place starting in 1975, but a full restoration did not begin until the fall of the Berlin Wall. The restoration was substantially completed 1993, but the mosaics in the dome where not finished until 2002.
Architecture and Features
The Berlin Cathedral is recognized by its massive Dome topped with a lantern and gold cross. The top of the Dome is nearly 100 metres in height. Four towers, one on each corner, are topped with smaller domes.
The architecture is influenced by neo-renaissance and baroque styles.
You will find magnificent baroque ceilings here and from there you enter the splendid nave. The arches and ceilings are beautifully wrought and medieval in their design. Four towers surround the nave, and it is filled with sculptures that are mostly stylized in forms of animals and birds.
The Hohenzollern Crypt, beneath the cathedral, is the most important dynastic burial site in Germany.
Inside the cathedral, a museum features drawings and models illustrating its history. Walk in models give a sense of the church’s interior.
The cathedral's massive pipe organ is over a hundred years old. It has an incredible 7269 pipes.
For a splendid view and up-close look at the exterior you can climb 270 stairs to reach the outer walkway of the Dome. For many, this is the highlight of their visit.
Visiting the Berlin Cathedral
Visitors can enjoy seeing the outside of the Berlin Cathedral at any time. You can see the interior without charge by joining in on any of the scheduled worship services.
Outside those times, there’s an entrance fee that includes a guided tour. These tours run every 20 minutes when worship service or other events are not occurring.
Another way to experience the interior of the cathedral is to attend one of over a hundred concerts and events that take place every year. You can visit the official website to learn more about these events and when they are taking place.
Facts For Your Visit
Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Address: Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 20269136
Official Website: Berlin Cathedral
Reviews
Rated
out of 5 Absolutely stunning cathedral. It was a marvelous structure with a very solemn feel inside. Beautiful views of the city from the top. Only 10€ to enter.
Mila Semyonova - a week ago
Views from the top are definitely worth the climb. There’s a line to buy tickets if you haven’t pre-purchased, but it moves quickly. They were only accepting cash at the time I visited
Franco - 2 weeks ago
An impressive, elegant building in the very heart of the city, with lots to explore and discover. Beautiful architecture and decorations, and an eerly serene atmosphere inside, which encourages reflection. The €10 entrance ticket includes the 360' panoramic view from the top (267 stairs to climb!!) which really is the cherry on the cake, as you get to see Berlin in all its glory. A great experience which I strongly recommend.
Silvana Avram - 2 months ago
Unbelievable Building. Beauty Personified. Magical. Owe-Inspiring. Wonder. Thought-Provoking. That's just some of the words that come to mind when you first walk into the Berliner Dom, look up and see the roof. It's an amazing Cathedral in general, we've been to a few, in the UK and all around the world but this was something special. I loved the Alter area with the red and gold and Christmas Tree. We even decided to climb the 264 steps to the roof to get 360 panoramic views of Berlin. Whilst on holiday we've done a few views but this was, by far, the best. Every single angle you got a different picture. Something different to look at. Well worth the climb.
Ryan-Alexander Noakes - 2 months ago
Directions
How to get to Berlin Cathedral by U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Line(s): S5, S7, S75, U2, U5, U8, M2, M4 ,M5, M6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Station(s): Alexanderplatz
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