French-Cathedral-Berlin
The French Cathedral or Französischer Dom in German is not actually a church, but rather a tower topped with a dome that sits upon the French church Friedrichstadtkirche. It is still referred to as the French Cathedral in English as dom is German for cathedral.
It is best understood in context of its location opposite the German Cathedral in Gendarmenmarkt Square. These two opposing domed towers, situated on top of their respective churches, make this one of the most aesthetically beautiful squares in all Berlin.
The French church, or French Friedrichstadtkirche, was completed in 1705, to serve French Protestant refuges under the Edict of Potsdam.
Both the German and the French church had no towers when they were first built, but in 1785, Friedrich II commissioned the design and construction of the two towers. They served no function relevant to the churches, but were intended purely as an aesthetic addition to add splendor to the square. Their interiors are completely separate from the churches they sit upon.
The churches and towers were substantially destroyed during the bombing raids of the Second World War. For many decades they lay in ruin, but in 1981 reconstruction began.
The French tower, complete with viewing balustrade and carillon, opened to the public in 1987.
Due to major restorations the French Cathedral is once again closed to the public, but this type of work is necessary to maintain the splendor of these magnificent structures.
When it reopens, visitors will once again be able to climb the 284 steps to the viewing balustrade. From there you can can enjoy magnificent views of Gendarmenmarkt and the beyond.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoFrench Cathedral Berlin Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Gendarmenmarkt 7, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 52680210
Official Website: French Cathedral Berlin
French Cathedral Berlin Reviews
Rated out of 5
This is a terrific value! The view from the top of the Dom is terrific and absolutely worth the price of admission. Also the walk up the stairs is not too difficult. Yes there are 250+ stairs, but the stairway is very wide, and there are many places to stop and rest on the way up. Five Stars!
John Thornton - 3 months ago
This place is well worth a visit. Of the two near-identical domes here, this is the one you can actually go to the top of and see the sights. You get clear views of Berliner Dom, the TV tower and all the rest of the Berlin skyline. The views are fantastic, and as its open air, pictures are much better than from the TV tower.
It’s a bit of a walk up but definitely worth doing.
Andy Smith - 6 months ago
Nestled in the heart of the Gendarmenmarkt, this picturesque building stands as one of the symmetrical domes that grace the square. While tickets are available to ascend to the dome’s top, I opted to skip that experience. Regardless, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Anand - 2 months ago
Was the 10 euro for each person definitly worth it! Nice vieuws and a beautiful church, sadly the tombs were closed for 5 years
Thomas Wijnands - 2 months ago
The Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) stands proudly on Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt and is one of the square’s architectural highlights. Despite the name, the "Dom" refers to the tower and not to an actual cathedral in a religious sense. The church itself was originally built by the French Huguenot community in the early 18th century, who had fled persecution in France and settled in Berlin under the protection of Prussian kings.
The current tower was added later, in 1785, and today it serves as an observation platform and museum. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views over Gendarmenmarkt and central Berlin. The museum inside the tower is dedicated to the history of the Huguenots and their influence on Berlin’s culture and economy.
The inscription on the building — added during the 1905 renovation — reads: “To the glory of God, for the blessing of the community, under the protection of the Hohenzollerns.” Architecturally, the structure reflects neoclassical and baroque elements, with its distinctive dome and statues.
Whether you're interested in religious history, French-German relations, or simply enjoying beautiful architecture, the Französischer Dom is a must-see in Berlin
Alazani Valley - 3 months ago
Directions
How to get to French Cathedral Berlin by U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram Line(s): U6, U2
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram Station(s): U Französische Str. , U-Bhf Hausvogteiplatz
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: corno.fulgur75 - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: claudia.schillinger - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: corno.fulgur75 - cc license via Flickr
