Berlin is the capital of Germany and a city of stunning beauty with a rich history dating back centuries. It is here that there is Museum Island, on which most of the local attractions are located. And among them - the notorious Berlin Cathedral.
History
First of all, I would like to note that it was built in response to the Catholic Cathedral of St. Peter, which is located, as you know, in Rome. The idea was to make the Berlin Cathedral the largest and most beautiful religious building in the world. To some extent, this goal has been achieved. Today this building is a component of the cultural values of mankind. And if we talk about the building, then it can be safely called a real gem of construction and architectural art.
Architectural features
In general, there is an assumption that the Protestant religion is the embodiment of modesty and simplicity. Moreover, these principles apply to everything. However, if you look at the sights of Berlin on the map, the cathedral is the first thing that catches your eye. This massive magnificence seems to destroy all existing ideas about Protestantism. The building looks incredibly impressive and luxurious. The style in which it is built is a pseudo-renaissance. The dome of the cathedral reaches 85 meters in height! Looking at this building, you involuntarily feel a kind of admiration for such a large-scale beauty. Under the dome there is even a platform where you can enjoy panoramic views of the capital. 270 steps are required to get to the very top. Chapels are located on both sides of the central dome. The facade of the building is decorated with various sculptures, columns, arches and stucco molding. Together, all this creates a large-scale and majestic spectacle.
Inner luxury
Of course, the outside of the cathedral, or, as it is also called, Berliner Dom, looks impressive. However, there is nothing inside that could “crush” visitors. The building has a very special, light atmosphere. Inside it is very spacious, light and beautiful - the skillful stained-glass windows with which the walls are adorned attract eyes. The characters that appear on them seem alive. By the way, the author of these stained glass windows is Anton von Werner. Special attention should be paid to the ancient altar made of marble. It was created back in 1850 by Frederick Augustus Stuller. And sermons are read at the pulpit, which can be safely called a real work of art, because it is unlikely where you can see such a unique and perfect wood carving. Also inside is a body created by William Sauer himself. Its dimensions are striking, just like the unique style.
Ancient tomb
Speaking about the Berlin Cathedral, it should be noted that it is also the tomb, where about a hundred representatives of the noble dynasty of the Hohenzollerns, including Frederick the First and his wife Sofia, rest. There is always absolute silence inside the cathedral. Visitors involuntarily forget that there is a noisy street outside the gates, the sun is shining and people are walking. After visiting this place, an extraordinary and indescribable feeling of a certain elevation and spirituality remains for a long time.
Interesting Facts
It should be noted that the Berlin Cathedral in the literal sense of the word has never been such. After all, the bishop of the Catholic Church did not visit the capital. Only in 1930 a Catholic diocese was created in Berlin (the Holy See contributed to this), but at that time the cathedral was already a Protestant church. You should also know that in 1945 a bomb hit the dome. However, the building was not even thought to be demolished - for about half a century it was as if decapitated. Not so long ago, in the 1990s, it was reconstructed, because the cathedral was really badly damaged. June 6, 1993 the grand opening took place. And right in front of the building is the Desire Park with a fountain. This place regularly underwent changes, but in 1999 it became what it can be seen today. Many visitors want to visit Museum Island and directly the Berlin Cathedral. The address of this attraction is Am Lustgarten, 10178.
