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Despite what its lofty name suggests, the Berlin Cathedral is... not a cathedral. Yep, never was. Because Berlin never had a Catholic bishop in the house.

Now, rewind to 1451, when Prince-Elector Frederick II鈥攏icknamed "Iron-tooth" because, well, medieval PR was wild鈥攂uilt a castle chapel right here. It started out Catholic, then switched to Lutheran in 1539, and just to keep things spicy, went Calvinist by 1608.

The version we see today is a Neo-Renaissance stunner, built between 1894 and 1905 by order of Emperor Wilhelm II, who basically wanted his very own Protestant answer to the Vatican鈥檚 Saint Peter鈥檚 Basilica. And what a power move it was: 114 meters long, 73 wide, and 116 tall鈥攖his place made everything else in Berlin look like dollhouse furniture.

And it wasn鈥檛 just for show, either. The Hohenzollerns鈥擥ermany鈥檚 royal family鈥攚orshipped here and even used the crypt as their final resting place. That lasted until 1918, when Wilhelm II peaced out to the Netherlands after abdicating the throne.

Then came World War II, and let鈥檚 just say the cathedral did not come out looking its best. East Germany did some repairs鈥攖hanks, GDR鈥攂ut also tore down the Memorial Church in 1975, which wasn鈥檛 their finest hour.

Fast forward to 1993, and voil脿: the place got a full glow-up. It now has the majestic pipe organ, pristine acoustics, priceless art, and vibes so divine they practically echo. Today, it鈥檚 home to choirs galore, including the English Choir Berlin, which hosts monthly Choral Evensong in true Anglican style.

If you're feeling brave, you can climb the dome! There鈥檚 a roomy stairwell, plenty of landings to catch your breath鈥攁nd yes, actual chairs if you need a moment. At the bottom, history buffs rejoice: the crypt holds 94 royal sarcophagi. It's like Prussian Netflix, but... quieter.

Tip:
Snag the audio guide鈥攊t鈥檚 a small fee for a big info boost. Or grab a printed guide if you're old school. And in the summer, feel free to stretch out on the lawn across the street, near the fountain. It's the perfect picnic spot, and the cathedral makes a dramatic lunch backdrop.

Berlin's Saint Mary's Church is one of the oldest in town. Its exact age is uncertain, but it was first mentioned in chronicles in 1292. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it became Lutheran after the Reformation in 1539 and later joined the Prussian Union of Churches.

The unassuming fusion of architectural styles somehow renders it one of Berlin's most appealing churches; its simplicity is a reminder of the city's humble beginnings. The oldest parts of the church are made of granite, while the majority of it is built of red brick, mirroring the design of the nearby Berlin City Hall. Severely damaged during World War II, Saint Mary鈥檚 was located in East Berlin after the war and was restored by East German authorities in the 1950s.

Once hemmed in by neighboring buildings, Saint Mary's now stands in solitude, casting its shadow beneath the imposing TV Tower. Outside the building is a statue of Martin Luther, with his right hand touching one of the Bible's pages as if uttering his renowned phrase, "by faith alone." Meanwhile, the church's interior 鈥� an excellent place to escape the buzz 鈥� reveals a rather austere Gothic design punctuated by notable Baroque embellishments.

Of particular note is the pulpit adorned with elaborately carved cherubs wielding trumpets and the baptismal font supported by three black dragon-shaped legs. In terms of carving and gilding, the restored organ tops it all off, and visitors can enjoy rousing recitals on Thursdays and Fridays, typically accompanied by an invitation to closely examine the 18th-century instrument.

Upon entering, brace yourself for a surprise: a 22-meter-tall frieze titled "The Dance of Death", commemorating the plague epidemics that wreaked havoc during the Dark Ages. Also inside, visitors can view the monumental tombs of a Prussian general field marshal and the founder of the world鈥檚 oldest Biblical society.

Tips:
Photography enthusiasts can find an ideal vantage point with a reflective fountain layout in the square, just behind the TV Tower, offering a perfect reflection of the church on the water's surface.

Berlin's oldest church turned museum, Saint Nicholas' Church has stood as a downtown landmark for over 800 years. Completed in 1230, this imposing late-Gothic structure is found in the city's oldest district, Nikolaiviertel (Nicholas Quarter), just south of the Red Town Hall, and is easily recognizable by its two impressive spires and stonework revealing a distinctive medieval past.

While it's now officially known as a museum, historically this place wasn't just a place of worship and a resting place for notable Berlin families; it also served as the seat of the city council and held deep cultural significance. In fact, the first city council assembly was sworn in here in 1809. It stopped being used as a church in 1939 and was converted into a museum in 1987. After German reunification, in 1991, the first freely-elected Berlin-wide city parliament met here. Following extensive renovation, the building reopened to the public in 2010.

Today, it houses a permanent exhibition titled "From the Base of the City to the Double Spire", which provides visitors with insights into the building's history and the surrounding area. The museum also hosts various events, including organ music concerts that are sure to entice you to return for more. There's even a special program tailored for children and youth.

The Nicholas Quarter surrounding the church is filled with narrow alleys teeming with popular restaurants, quaint souvenir shops, and small museums. This district still retains the character of the long-lost Alt-Berlin (Old Berlin) and is often bustling with tourists seeking a place to relax after a day of sightseeing, especially during the summer. Nearly every other building in this area houses a restaurant, inn, pub, or caf茅, making it a lively spot that stays active until late at night.

The first Roman Catholic temple in Prussia constructed following the Protestant Reformation, this grand and imposing circular cathedral was designed after Rome's Pantheon and opened its doors in 1773. With the approval of King Frederick II, it provided a place of worship for the numerous Catholic migrants to Berlin, particularly those from Upper Silesia, which is why it is dedicated to Saint Hedwig of Andechs, the patron of Silesia and Brandenburg. The structure suffered significant damage during World War II, particularly to its copper dome, but underwent meticulous restoration and was re-inaugurated in 1963.

While the exterior showcases a traditional neoclassical design, the inner space is all peacefulness and minimalism. It offers ample seating with hard wooden pews and features a beautiful oculus, a commanding pipe organ, and a centrally positioned altar. The stained glass windows display geometric patterns with restrained decoration.

The combination of soothing organ music and the welcoming attitude of local parishioners toward foreign visitors creates a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere for a break during a day of sightseeing. As an extra, climbing the 270+ steps to the dome is a rewarding experience, as it offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

Tip:
If you visit at 3 pm on a Wednesday, you can enjoy a 30-minute organ concert. The majestic and rich sound fills the space with surprisingly little echo.

Facing its German counterpart, the Deutscher Dom, across the Gendarmes' Market square, the French Cathedral has a historical significance tied to the French Huguenot community. After being expelled from France following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, these Huguenots sought refuge in Protestant Berlin. In fact, the primary structure of the church, completed in 1705, was designed based on the Huguenot church in Charenton, France, which had been destroyed in 1688.

The entrance, facing Charlottenstrasse, leads to a straightforward interior characterized by a rectangular nave with semicircular sections on both sides. An important feature is the late Baroque organ dating back to 1754. The church's most prominent architectural element is a massive cylindrical tower encircled by Corinthian porticoes at its base. This tower was added approximately 80 years after the church's initial construction and now houses the Huguenot Museum, which provides insight into the history of the Huguenots in France and Brandenburg.

Huguenots were well-educated and highly skilled individuals who played a vital role in Berlin's development as a hub of science, craftsmanship, and commerce. Their legacy can still be seen today in many words incorporated into the Berlin dialect, stemming from the French language they brought with them.

The German Cathedral at the southern end of Gendarmes' Market square is a historic German Protestant-Reformed church constructed in 1708 by Giovanni Simonetti. The design was based on a distinctive five-petal shape, and in 1785, it gained a dome-covered tower, mirroring that of the French Cathedral across the square, and complete with statues representing figures from the Old and New Covenant.

Unfortunately, the church suffered fire damage in 1945, but it was painstakingly reconstructed in 1993. While the exterior, including its sculpted embellishments, was faithfully restored, the interior was modernized to host an exhibition called "Paths, Confusions, Detours" about Germany's parliamentary democracy. Also known as the Bundestag's Exhibition, it is well-organized and comprehensive, covering various historical periods, including the 1800s, World War I, the Weimar Republic, the Nazi era, the Cold War era, and the present day. Visitors can also explore a replica of the Bundestag on one of the floors.

Another noteworthy feature is the opportunity to ascend the Cathedral's tower. While access to the very top is restricted, the staircase leads to landings from which visitors can capture great views of the cylindrical red brick tower crowned by the dome. The stairwell is located to the right of the gift shop's cash register, with the stairs winding around the tower's exterior, leaving the center open. Best of all, this attraction is free of charge.

Why You Should Visit:
Fantastic place to embark on a comprehensive journey through Germany's history, providing valuable insights into both its achievements and setbacks. While the descriptions are primarily in German, an informative audio guide is available for free in English, French, and German. If needed, tour guides are also on hand to assist visitors.