Churches, Berlin

Favorite thing: For sheer OOMPH factor, this was definitely my favourite church in Berlin. It's the Nikolai Kirche in the Nikolaiviertel and no you are not seeing double, it has two spires, just like Siamese twins. I'd seen this church from the bus on my first day in Berlin and was very anxious to get back and have a proper look. I got my chance on Saturday, in the sunshine, when it looked a hundred times more appealing than it had in the rain. It's only a five minute walk south of the Marx-Engels Forum so if you're in the area don't miss it.

This red brick neo-Gothic church is in the oldest part of Berlin, an area which suffered almost total destruction in the war. So while the original was built in 1230, what you're seeing now is the result of a re-construction that took place between 1981-'87. It is not now used as a place of worship, which I think is a shame, but re-opened as a museum. The whole area it's situated in is very pleasant for browsing and strolling.

Favorite thing: Very special, smaller than some but specially holy and nice to me is St. Hedwigs. When you walk into the foyer area it doesnt seem so special but once you go into the main doors its wonderful. You see immediately the great organ and statue, then can take the stairs that lead down into the private prayer rooms and benches where you can look up into the dome. It has many famous statues inside that are protected from damage and touches but just to be there near them was good for me. This cathedral also is still in use, they have services and concerts.

On Marz 21 there is going to be a very special concert called the Passionkonzert in Der St. Hedwigs Kathedrale, music by JS Bach with the cathedrals own choir singing. Tickets are from 10 to 15 Euros. I really hope to go to this.

Its at Hinter derr katholischen Kirche 3, 10178 Berlin, and you can contact the office directly for more information about concerts and choirs coming here. 030-308-7798-0. Webpage www.hedwigschor-berlin.de Again check the website for the lastest events upcoming.

Fondest memory: It was rebuilt in the early 60´s after being severely damaged duringg WWII. It is a landmark of hope and determination in my opinion.

Favorite thing: The church is named after the patron of Silesia, St. Hedwig. Built in the 18th century for 10.000 catholics living in Berlin it was meant to be the sign of religious tolerance. It was also a kind of recompensation for the annexation of catholic Silesia by Fredrich II.
The copper green dome of unusual shape was added during the reconstruction of the cathedral after the war.
If you go inside you can't miss the Pieta coming from 1420.

Favorite thing: Roman Catholic Cathedral of Berlin, located just off Unter den Linden in the Mitte District, adjacent to Bebelplatz.

The design of St. Hedwig's is somewhat similar to that of the Pantheon in Rome. It is the work of Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, and was completed in the 1770s.

I was there on a Saturday, and was walking just as a wedding was getting out.

Favorite thing: Theres a gallery at Werder. Markt. inside the church. I'm affraid I don't remember the name of the church. The gallery shows sculptures, but the glasspaintings in the church itself is also worth a look. The church isn't used as a church anymore though: They've taken out the alter.

Fondest memory: The glas paintings are beautifull. Go up to the stairs to a closer view. I've added more pictures in the travelougue.

Favorite thing: Nearby, is the German State Opera which was built in 1741-43 by Knobelsdorff and the St Hedwig Cathedral with this big dome built in 1773 in the same style of the Roman's Pantheon. It was built by Bruing and Le Geay and finished by Boumann in 1773. The cathedral was the first Catholic church in the protestant Berlin.

Favorite thing: GO TO St.hedwigs Cathedral.
It is the first catholic episcopal cathedral, built according to plans by von Knobelsdorff, was fully destroyed during the second World War and rebuilt 1952-1963.

( NOTE: IT is one stop of bus 100, you can arrive this place easily by bus 100.)

Favorite thing: This is the Nikoli Church...one of the many strange but interesting buildings that we found while we were looking around Berlin...