Berlin Cathedral & Lustgarten
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Berlin Cathedral & Lustgarden - by Alexandre Barbosa on Unsplash
Description
The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is a German Evangelical church and dynastic tomb (Hohenzollern crypt). It was built from 1894 to 1905 in Renaissance and Baroque Revival styles with a monumental dome but there was a castle chapel for the Berlin palace on those grounds since the 15th century. Technically, it is a collegiate church and not a cathedral since there is no bishop. The rulers of Prussia and later the German Emperors were part of the Hohenzollern dynasty. The crypt contains nearly 100 sarcophagi and burial monuments spanning 500 years. The Lustgarden was originally attached to the Berlin City palace and turned into a parade ground several times during its history. It was destroyed during WW2 but rebuilt after 1998.
Access & Transport
The church is located on the Museum Island in central Berlin. The Museumsinsel (U5) is next to the Lustgarden and buses 100 and 200 also stop there. The Tram to Kupfergraben (M1, 12) is also a good alternative.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this activity with any museum on the island, the DDR Museum or a visit of the Alt-Berlin / Nikolaiviertel neighbourhood
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. The entrance fee helps preserve this historic building, part of the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
The Berlin Cathedral is worth a detour, the proportions and design are truly remarkable and reminiscent of St Pierre (Vatican). Whether you visit the interior or not is up to you but the views from the Lustgarden are really grand; from there you can also admire the Altes Museum facade. Note that the church charges entrances fees to finance its upkeep as it needs to generate 97% of its annual budget itself.
Key positive
Beautiful and rich lines, nicely complemented by the Lustgarden
Centrally located
Key negative
Staff not always welcoming
Pirce is a little high considering that the church is not very large
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. The cathedral is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, there is a barrier-free access located on the northern side.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 10m
Monday10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
Thursday10:00 - 18:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 17:00
Sunday12:00 - 17:00