Germany’s Berliner Dom, located in Berlin is revered as the Protestant St. Peter’s. The area is a collection of buildings dating back before 1905. If your travel schedule permits, definitely stop by and take in the area.
History
Before the Berliner Dom was built, the St. Erasmus Chapel stood in the same location. Previously part of the Hohenzoollern royal court, it later evolved to an esteemed collegiate congregation in 1465. It would be later christened a Lutheran church in 1539. By 1608, the Dom was regarded as the highest level church of the district. 1613 saw the Dom convert to a parish church along with Elector Johann Sigismund’s conversion to Calvinism.
More changes were in store, with the construction of a cathedral by Fredrick the Great between 1747 and 1750. After transplanting the royal sarcophagi, the older temple was demolished. 1822 saw the Dom updated and revamped in 1822.
By 1905, the current larger building finished construction. Ordered by Wiilhelm II, and envisioned by Julius Raschdorff, many consider the Baroque interior and architecture to rival Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica.
Allied bombs destroyed much of the building and efforts to rebuild the roof began in 1975. Interior renovations started in 1984. 1993 marked the end to renovations and the church opened again, though with a more streamlined design.
What to See
At over 114 meters long and 73 meters wide, the building stands adored with beautiful mosaics. The 1850 altar, along with intricate stained glass windows showcase the talent of Anton von Werner’s designs.
Climbing to the top of the dome’s gallery is worth the 270 steps to reach it. You are rewarded with a scenic view of the church’s dome and inside. It makes a great place to take pictures to capture the beautiful sights. The crypt draws much of visitors’ curiosity. It contains over 80 sarcophagi of Prussia’s royal court. This includes both Frederick I and the queen Sophie Charlotte.
