One of the most popular thing to visit in Berlin is the Berliner Dom or Berlin Cathedral. Located between Museum Island and the City Palace, this 19th century Cathedral is so attractive outside that you will want to visit it inside!
not the best weather 😉
You really can’t miss it! The Berlin Cathedral is visible from far away when walking around the Mitte quarter of Berlin. The Dome of the Cathedral definitively stands out in the urban landscape and it draws you to it.
Quick historical notes of the Berliner Dom
It’s not as old as it may look! Commissioned in 1893, it only took 11 years to built the Cathedral which was consecrated on 27th February 1905. The Dome was badly damaged during WWII which resulted in extensive deterioration of the church. Reconstruction started in 1975 and was essentially completed in 1983 although interior restaurations were conducted until 2002.
It’s crazy to think that it took longer to restaure than to build it.
The Berliner Dom architecture
It’s architecture is described as “baroque-influenced Italian high Renaissance“. You know I’m more of a Roman / Gothic / Romanesque style type of girl 😉 but every now and then, I do appreciate the contemplation of a much more intense decorum!
Of course I couldn’t resist showing you the floor plan! Quite square from the outside, the Cathedral is shaped as a Greek Cross inside with a huge central square nave. It does look a bit like the original Saint Peter’s basilica.
The Pulpit is absolutely amazing. Carved in oak, it is extremely detailed and yet, looks somehow simple.
The organ is from the Wilhelm Sauer Manufactory and has 7,269 pipes! It’s considered as the largest and most important intact instrument from the Late Romantic Period.
The half dome above the altar is magnificent!
But you should have a sit and raise your head to admire the Dome!
On each side of the square nave, you can admire the most incredible Ceremonial Sarcophagus, including the ones of King Freidrich I and Sophie Charlotte.
The Berliner Dom Crypt
The Hohenzollern Crypt is a Greek cross shape crypt with 94 burials from the end of the 16th century to the 20th century.
The crypt is a bit too gloomy and stuffy for me, I really didn’t feel well in there and was so glad to come out!!
The Technical Bits:
The official website for the Berliner Dom is www.berlinerdom.de and includes lot’s of historic info as well as pictures! Go have a look.
There is an admission fee.
Guided tours are organized but you can also choose the audio guide or the treasure hunt app.
You can climb to the Dome Walkway (270 steps only!).
It’s fairly dark inside the Cathedral and even more in the crypt. So sorry for the poor quality of the pictures.
