With its soaring sandstone walls and stunning turquoise dome, this cathedral is a highpoint in the city’s skyline and spiritual life.
Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) is hard to miss as you walk around the city center. You’ll see the dramatic dome of this Protestant church from almost anywhere. It was torn apart by Allied bombs during World War II and later restored to its former glory. It is a stunning example of reniassance and baroque architecture.
Suspended 230 feet (70 meters) above the nave, the dome is an incredible piece of engineering and artistry. Admire the 35 different mosaics depicting the beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. Each mosaic contains 500,000 tiles, in 2,000 shades of color. The floor of the nave also glows with color as light streams in through the three stained glass windows. The windows depict the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
If you're feeling energetic, climb the 270 steps of the cupola walkway to see stunning views of central Berlin, including the Reichstag building, the Fernsehturm and the old city hall. After you've enjoyed the heights, head down below. The Hohenzollern Crypt contains 94 royal tombs covering 400 years of burial rituals of Prussian and Brandenburg royalty. Join one of the guided tours, included in the modest admission price, and learn more about the construction and design of the church. Or, visit the Cathedral Museum where you’ll find plenty of information, as well as accurate scale models.
Experience the Berliner Dom’s peaceful atmosphere during a service. These run twice daily during the week and once on Saturday and Sunday. This is also the time when you’ll hear the cathedral filled with the sound of its organ. This 7,000-pipe treasure is one of the oldest and most cherished church organs in the country.
The Berliner Dom is located on Museum Island in the center of Berlin. It is open every day, although not until noon on Sundays. S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses all service the island.
