Berlin Squares: Gendarmenmarkt

	My Travel Berlin
	Berlin Squares: Gendarmenmarkt

Berlin Squares: Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt

Obviously one of the most beautiful squares of Berlin is the Gendarmenmarkt that's history started at the end of the 17th century. Until 1799, it had different names such as for example Lindenmarkt or Neuer Markt. Only in 1799, the square received its present name "Gendarmenmarkt".
There are three really impressive buildings on the Gendarmenmarkt that were constructed in the 18th century: "Deutscher Dom" ("German Cathedral"), "Französischer Dom" ("French Cathedral") and "Konzerthaus" ("Concert House"). In the middle of the square, there is the Schiller memorial by Reinhold Begas.

		The French Cathedral at the north side of the Gendarmenmarkt is the oldest building of the square. It was built between 1701 and 1705 by French Protestants (Huguenots) following the example of the Huguenot church in Charenton. As the Huguenots were prosecuted in France, they took refuge in Berlin that was protestant. In 1785, the originally simple cathedral was extended and received its present tower. Now, there is a Huguenot Museum in the French Cathedral as well as a restaurant. In addition, it has a view platform.
Französischer Dom

Opposite the French Cathedral on the south side of the Gendarmenmarkt, there is the German Cathedral. It was built a few year after the French Cathedal according to plans of Martin Grünberg. The tower was also added in 1785. Both of the towers, that of the German as well as that of the French Cathedral, were designed by Carl von Gontard. During the Second World War, the German Cathedral was destroyed to a large extent. Only in 1993 was it reconstructed. Now, the German Cathedral houses a museum dealing with the German history.
		Deutscher Dom

		Between 1817 and 1821, the Concert Hall on the Gendarmenmarkt was built according to plans of the famous architect Karl-Friedrich Schinkel. The national theater that had been there before had burnt down almost completely. Schinkel used the ruins that were left for his new design. In the Second World War, the Concert Hall was seriously destroyed. Since its reconstruction and reopening in 1984, the Concert Hall has been used for concerts.
Konzerthaus

<< Back

Advertise | Links | Link to Us | Disclaimer | Feedback