Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
The Kaiser Wilhem Memorial Church is a large active Protestant Church that has retained a portion of the partially ruined old church tower as a constant memorial and reminder of the horrors of war.
The church, named after the the first German Kaiser, Wilhelm I, was planned by his grandson and constructed between 1891 and 1895. The church originally had five towers housing the second largest church bells in Germany, but they were melted for munitions during the war.
During Allied bombing raids in 1943, the church sustained severe damage severing the upper portion of the main spire and collapsing the roof. The allies were not willing to rebuild it after the war, so it remained in ruins for over a decade. If it wasn't for public opposition the remaining ruins would have been completely demolished in the 1950s. Instead, architect Egon Eiermann incorporated the existing ruins into his design for the new church, a modern octogon design with stained glass inlays and a hexagonal tower also with stained glass inlays. The blue light shining through the stained glass windows of the new buildings make them much more impressive from inside than outside except at night when the reverse is true.
In addition to viewing the outside, it's free to go inside the vestibule of the old church where you will see the original intricate mosaics depicting a number of religious scenes. You'll also be presented with a brief history of the church complete with photographs and scale models. Definitely a must see.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoKaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10787 Berlin, Germany
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Reviews
Rated out of 5
I took advantage of the fact that when I passed by they offered me tickets to see a classical music concert and I loved it.
The place and its acoustics are very nice.
a heavenly & eclectic atmosphere.
great concert.
carlos rubio - 3 months ago
Small church and remembrance place.
No tickets needed, often outside you can find people selling tickets for upcoming events or (classical) concerts that will take place in this place.
Fingal Grünbauer - a year ago
Cool place with lots of things to see, the church is very interesting.
E D - 8 months ago
What was left was beautiful. Very interesting to see but so sad that it was bombed during the war. A tour is available.
Cathy Yutronkie - a year ago
There is a great life in this indescribable feeling location
Basel Alkhalaf - a year ago
Directions
How to get to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): S3, U1, U2,
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): U Kurfürstendamm, U+S Zoologischer Garten
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Accommodations near Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: Brian Brandsberg Berg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Brian Brandsberg Berg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: martin_vmorris - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr
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