Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
1 / 4
Gendarmenmarkt - by Valentin Sonntag from Pixabay
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo