Kirche Maria Regina Martyrum in Berlin

Kirche Maria Regina Martyrum is located in the western side of Berlin in the district known as Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. It was built in 1963 as a tribute to the Jewish people who died during World War II; it also faces the infamous concentration camp, Plotzensee Prison where over two million Jews were killed. It was built at the place where German resistance fighters were executed. The architects responsible for the design of the church are Friedrich Ebert and Hans Schandel. They worked together to create a national symbol against National Socialism. The exterior is built in grey brickwork. It gives a gloomy air, which was intentional on the architects’ part; they deliberately chose to use dark colors and materials to reflect on "the suffering people had during the dark years of Hitler’s reign”.

The actual church building looks more like a Communist apartment block than a church, although there is a crucifix on the roof. There is an inscription over the main door, which reads, “Through times of suffering you can always turn to God.” Inside the church, there is a memorial room, dedicated to the people that died in the Plotzensee Prison. The room only has two windows, which let in very little natural light, but 10 strategically placed candles create an ambience of remembrance. The main prayer room follows on from the memorial room to show that God will always “be at the end of the tunnel.” It is painted white and there are 20 stained glass windows, which let colour and light flood into the room. The walls are decorated with religious paintings and at the front of the church; you will find a crucifix, a picture of the Twelve Disciples and a message in German, which says, “Jesus Christ freed the entire human race.”

Today the church serves the local community, but visitors are welcome to look and visit the memorial room outside of service times. No photography is allowed in the memorial room and a sign reads, “the people died for their religion not to be a tourist attraction and be photographed.”