Deutscher Dom in Berlin

Deutscher Dom is a Catholic cathedral located in Berlin’s Gendarmenmarket. It stands opposite to its twin the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), which was built during the same period in the same style. Deutscher Dom was designed by architect Martin Grünberg and built by Giovanni Simonetti in 1705 in a Romanesque style. However, in 1785 the cathedral was extended and modified by the architect Carl von Gontard, who added a very large cylindrical tower with a cupola, which was built over the cathedral like a temple. The tower has a cubic base structure with 12 columns surrounding it and imitating many characteristics of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo. Deutscher Dom was destroyed during World War II by allied bombers and it was not until 1977 that reconstruction began. It took 11 years to complete the restorations, which were kept as close to the original design as possible. It suffered a further setback in 1993, when it was destroyed by fire and it was not reopened until 1996.

The symmetrical exterior design is extremely elegant, constructed of grey brickwork with decorated with angels. A statue of Christ is situated on the top spire on the tower. Inside, a staircase leads to the top of the tower where you will find a glass top with a brilliant image of the sun glazed into it. There are 200 steps to the top of the tower and from the top; you get a good view of the wooden designs covering the cathedral. The walls are decorated with illustrations of people, angels and Jesus Christ. The centre alley is over 10 metres long with pews on either side.

In 1996, the cathedral became home to an exhibition subsidised by the German Parliament, the Bundestag. The exhibition known as „Questions on German History” depicts the organisation and history of the Bundestag with a series of photographs, displays and films. The cathedral became the property of the state after the war because of a lack of funds and sponsors. There are several cathedral tours available including a twin tour with the Französischer Dom.