French-Cathedral-Berlin

French Cathedral at Gendarmenmarkt Square
French Cathedral at Gendarmenmarkt Square cc licensed photo by Jorge Láscar

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: No

French Cathedral Berlin Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Address: Gendarmenmarkt 7, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Phone: 030 52680210

Official Website: French Cathedral Berlin

French Cathedral Berlin Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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 - 3 months ago

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4 Star Rating 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 - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Amazing view of the Gerdarmenmarkt and the city! I recommend to come during the sunset. With the colours must be beautiful. And have in mind that they don’t have an elevator. There is a lot of steps to go up and down.
Tatiana Kruchowski - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Seriously beautiful, it’s one of those buildings that makes you stop and stare. The dome is super striking, and the whole vibe of it adds this classy, old-world feel to Gendarmenmarkt. Climbing up to the viewing platform is totally worth it too — you get this epic view of Berlin that feels both peaceful and powerful. There’s also a small museum inside about the Huguenots.
Eric L - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating A wonderful place to view all the domes and spires with lovely music from the area below, lovely how it’s labelled so you can know what you’re looking at
Bethan Cove - 3 months ago

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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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