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Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin

1 Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, Berlin

Description

The Gendarmenmarkt is a square in Berlin with a statue of Friedrich Schiller in its center and surrounded by the Deutscher Dom (German Church), the Konzerthaus (Concert Hall) and the Französischer Dom (French Church). "Dom" in German means Cathedral but the original name referred to the french word "Dome", which is a cupola. The French Church was built in 1701-05 by the Huguenot community (French protestants) predominant in the area; it now houses the Huguenot Museum and holds church services and concerts. The German Church was built in 1708 by the Lutheran community and destroyed during WW2. It was rebuilt in 1990-93 and now houses the Bundestag’s exhibition on the history of the country's parliamentary system. The square was created in 1773 (the name refers to the regiment Gens d'Armes) and the Konzerthaus Berlin in 1821; it is now the home of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin (a symphony orchestra).

Access & Transport

Gendarmenmarkt is in the Friedrichstadt quarter. Hausvogteiplatz (U2) and Stadtmitte (U2, U6) are next to the square. It is possible to walk there from many other tourist hotspots such as Museum Island.

Instructions & Recommendations

If you happen to be around early December, the square hosts one of Berlin's most popular Christmas markets. This activity is best combined with a visit of the French and German Churches, the German Historical Museum and any museum of Museum Island.

Meta review

The poster child square of Berlin gets excellent press from travel magazines, blogs and individual reviewers alike for the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings, its Christmas market as well as its bars and restaurants. There are a few random mixed reviews from visitors for whom the square like soul or charm, even though the buildings are indeed architecturally pleasing.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally, there is no data at the neighbourhood level, but it is mostly concrete with no green spaces. Preserves the city's cultural and architectural heritages.

Conclusion

The Gendarmenmarkt is a must see in Berlin for those who enjoy looking at historical buildings. It is very central so there is no excuse not to include it in one's itinerary. We recommend reading a little about the history of each of the buildings and Schiller to make the most of your visit there, but it is not an absolute prerequisite.

Key positive

Visually very impressive

Central and easy to get to (walk or underground)

Key negative

None

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The 3 main buildings and museums have different opening hours

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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