As I said in the earlier post about the Island Museum, amongst the Museums is 1 Church called the Berliner Dom. This was built in 1894-1905. Earlier this was the site of a Baroque styled smaller church since 15th C. However the present building is new.
However again in 1944, in WWII, it was damaged by a bomb and the dome, most of interiors and tombs were destroyed and was repaired in the following years which got completed in 1993. However the dome got completed only in 2002!!!
However again in 1944, in WWII, it was damaged by a bomb and the dome, most of interiors and tombs were destroyed and was repaired in the following years which got completed in 1993. However the dome got completed only in 2002!!!
Soon after entering the church (that's through the side entrance) the first thing to see is the ceremonial sarcophagus for Prince Friedrick Wilhem and his 2nd wife Dorathea, near the entrance.
Coming into the Nave of the church, its one splendid structure. The dome is atop the nave and to see the stained glass circle atop from the ground below was beautiful. But what was more splendid was the mosaic works! On the dome, there are 8 panels depicting various scenes from the Sermon on the Mount.
Atop the altar are 4 mosaics of the 4 gospels. Apart from the mosaics there are also relief sculptures on the 4 corners of the nave, making this level octagonal,and the windows above it is 16 panelled.
The organ is located opposite to the altar and just look at its sheer size with all its 7269 pipes. From its other side entrance is the way to go up. In the first floor is the King's Gallery and Queen's Galley. Here's also the Balcony Box. I was pretty much amused to see a Balcony concept like a theatre, in a church!!!
Further ahead begins the spiral staircase to reach atop. Unlike Copenhagen and Basel, the staircase here is pretty straight forward without much of wood work or sections. But then this is a very new church compared to those two. There are several doors along the way. It was about 270 stairs to reach atop. It was not tricky, just a wee bit tedious - that's it. So unless you're a total couch potato, this isn't a problem at all. The way up and the way down are 2 different ways here.
The view from atop is definitely spectacular! Esp those angels and celestial sculptures look great up close and the view of the Museum Island and the Spree around it and the Berlin city beyond it is just perfect!!!
Once down, you've gotta go further down to see the crypt where the tombs of important saints and members of royal family are put to rest!
To Get There:
Nearest bus stop: Lustgarden
Nearest Metro station: Hackescher Markt
Nearest Metro station: Hackescher Markt
Entry fee: €7 (not a part of Welcome Card)
Timings for dome tour: 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Services: 10:00AM, 12:00 noon & 6:00PM
Dome tour isn't allowed during services & events
Timings for dome tour: 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Services: 10:00AM, 12:00 noon & 6:00PM
Dome tour isn't allowed during services & events
P.S: I was invited by Berliner Dom to experience it for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
Dedicated to Venkat