Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
The Kaiser Wilhem Memorial Church is a large active Protestant Church that has retained a portion of the partially ruined old church tower as a constant memorial and reminder of the horrors of war.
The church, named after the the first German Kaiser, Wilhelm I, was planned by his grandson and constructed between 1891 and 1895. The church originally had five towers housing the second largest church bells in Germany, but they were melted for munitions during the war.
During Allied bombing raids in 1943, the church sustained severe damage severing the upper portion of the main spire and collapsing the roof. The allies were not willing to rebuild it after the war, so it remained in ruins for over a decade. If it wasn't for public opposition the remaining ruins would have been completely demolished in the 1950s. Instead, architect Egon Eiermann incorporated the existing ruins into his design for the new church, a modern octogon design with stained glass inlays and a hexagonal tower also with stained glass inlays. The blue light shining through the stained glass windows of the new buildings make them much more impressive from inside than outside except at night when the reverse is true.
In addition to viewing the outside, it's free to go inside the vestibule of the old church where you will see the original intricate mosaics depicting a number of religious scenes. You'll also be presented with a brief history of the church complete with photographs and scale models. Definitely a must see.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoKaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10787 Berlin, Germany
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Reviews
Rated out of 5
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Berlin! 🎄✨ The best part? It’s free! 🆓 The whole place feels so magical with its gorgeous lights and cozy vibes – perfect for a winter evening. ❄️💫 But what really takes it to the next level is the stunning lights in the surrounding streets, especially the one leading to KaDeWe. 🌟🛍️ Pure Christmas magic! 🎅 Don’t miss it if you’re in Berlin during the holidays!
Luis Vidal - 6 months ago
I took advantage of the fact that when I passed by they offered me tickets to see a classical music concert and I loved it.
The place and its acoustics are very nice.
a heavenly & eclectic atmosphere.
great concert.
carlos rubio - 11 months ago
A wonderful place to sit and relax.
Navneet Joshi - a week ago
My favourite Xmas market, best hot chocolate and churros, loved that place
Orangeee s - 5 months ago
Small church and remembrance place.
No tickets needed, often outside you can find people selling tickets for upcoming events or (classical) concerts that will take place in this place.
Fingal GrĂĽnbauer - a year ago
Directions
How to get to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): S3, U1, U2,
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): U KurfĂĽrstendamm, U+S Zoologischer Garten
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Accommodations near Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: Brian Brandsberg Berg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Brian Brandsberg Berg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
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