Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most renowned squares in all of Europe. It dates back to the end of the 17th Century, when J.A. Nering designed the plan of its construction. In the beginning, it was known as Linden Markt, later it was renamed to Friedrichstädtischer Markt and Neuer Markt. Its current name comes from the Regiment Gens d'Armes, as their sentry boxes and stables were placed there in the 18th Century. Afterwards, the square was redeveloped according to the plans of Georg Christian Unger. During World War II, Gendarmenmarkt was badly damaged, but today it's completely restored. Currently, it is a peaceful place with attractive landmarks, including the Französischer Dom, Deutscher Dom and the Konzerthaus. In the middle of the Gendarmenmarkt stads the statue of the famous German poet Friedrich Schiller.

The Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) is housed in a pentagonal building, situated in the southern side of Gendarmenmarkt. The structure was set up from 1701 to 1708 by Giovanni Simonetti according to the plans of Martin Grünberg. The so-called Neue Kirche was modified by Carl von Gontard, who extended the building with a domed tower. The cathedral was destroyed by fire in World War II and reopened in 1996 after the reconstruction.

The Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) is identical to the German Cathedral and is situated in the opposite side of the square. It built in the years 1701 - 1705 by the community of the Huguenots, after the model of the Huguenot church in Charenton. In 1785, Carl von Gontard added a tower and porticoes to the building. The war affected the church, which was badly damaged and restored in 1977. Today, Französischer Dom includes a Huguenot museum with impressive collections and an elegant restaurant on the top with a viewing platform.

The Konzerthaus (Concert Hall) is the most recent building on the square, which was built in 1821 by prominent architect Karl-Friedrich Schinkel, who planned also the restoration of the Berliner Dom. The Konzerthaus replaced the National Theatre, which was burnt in 1817. Like to many other buildings in Berlin, World War II caused bad damages to the hall and its systematic reconstruction was performed from 1979 to 1984, when the theatre was turned into a concert hall. Now the building is solid, with rectangular form and an ionic columned hall in the front. Connoisseurs of fine music can enjoy both the Konzerthaus interior and the grandiose musical performances of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra.