Visit the magnificent Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

The origins of Berlin’s Cathedral date back to the fifteenth century, when its earlier structures were initially incorporated into the Berlin City Palace. In the early 19th century, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, an eminent Prussian architect, set about transforming the court church into a neoclassical edifice. However, around fifty years later, preferences changed. When Wilhelm II came to the throne as Emperor of Germany in 1888, several designs for a new church were proposed, but none were approved. Wilhelm II also regarded Schinkel's church as excessively modest and demanded a grand new church to reflect the power and status of the imperial monarchy. Architect Julius Carl Raschdorff was commissioned to design the new church, but it took three iterations before Wilhelm II was satisfied with the plans. Raschdorff designed an opulent, magnificently imposing structure that he envisaged as the Berlin equivalent of St Peter's Basilica in Rome and St Paul's Cathedral in London. The original building was dismantled in 1893 and the foundation stone for the new church was laid in 1894. Eleven years later, in 1905, the new church was inaugurated. Unfortunately, the church suffered extensive damage during the Second World War. After the division of Germany, the cathedral church ended up in East Berlin. Restoration efforts began in 1975, but it was not until 1993, four years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, that the full restoration was completed. In 2008, a new golden cross was installed to replace the cross on the dome, which was due for renovation. The old cross can now be found in one of the cathedral's cemeteries in Liesenstraße 6.

The Berlin Cathedral stands under the imposing presence of a colossal dome adorned with a lantern crowned with a golden cross and surrounded by four towers. Architect Raschdorff drew his inspiration from the exuberant style of the Italian High Renaissance and the complex beauty of the Baroque aesthetic. The interior reflects the opulent trends of the late 19th century, characterised by an opulent combination of ornate mosaics, gilded elements and impressive sculptures, all of which embody a penchant for grandeur and ostentation. Among the most remarkable artistic creations are the marble and onyx altar, the design of which is attributed to Friedrich August Stüler, and the white marble baptismal font by Christian Daniel Rauch. In the baptism and marriage chapel, a monumental painting entitled "Descent of the Holy Spirit", executed by Carl Begas is a must see of the Cathedral.

Getting to experience  a concert in this magnificent Cathedral is astonishing. The resounding melodies of the historic organ, built by the famous Sauer organ builders and considered one of the most famous, echo during regular services and special musical events. Within the Cathedral Church, two exceptional choirs, the Domkantorei and the Staats- und Domchor Berlin, provide melodious voices to accompany church services and give independent concerts. The Cathedral Church boasts a vibrant and robust musical heritage, and regularly presents a diverse range of concerts, culminating in the International Organ Summer with performances during the Advent and Christmas season. To know more about the music at the Berlin Cathedral: click here. 

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

Last admission in each case 60 minutes before.

Price:

Normal ticket: 10 Euro

Family ticket: 10 Euro (1 adult with up to 3 children under 18)

Berlin WelcomeCard: 6,50 Euro

Reduced ticket: 7,50 Euro

Reduced family ticket: 7,50 Euro (1 adult with up to 3 children under 18 years of age entitled to a reduction)

To buy a ticket (cash payment on site is not possible): click here.

How to get to the Berlin Cathedral?

By car: 

• If you prefer driving, you can rent a car or use a taxi service to get to the Berlin Cathedral. But, keep in mind that traffic and parking might be challenging. 

By bus: 

• Berlin has an extensive public transportation network, including buses! You can take a bus to go from your accommodation to the Berlin Cathedral. The nearest stop from the Berlin Cathedral is the U Museumsinsel only 100 meters away from the Cathedral. 

By subway: 

• The subway (U-Bahn) in Berlin can take you to the Berlin Cathedral. Stop at the U Museumsinsel subway stop.