Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt stands as arguably the most beautiful public square in Berlin and perhaps the most magnificent north of the Alps. This architectural masterpiece showcases a harmonious ensemble of three imposing buildings: the Konzerthaus (Concert Hall), the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), and the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), with the iconic Schiller Monument at its center.

Originally laid out in 1688 by Johann Arnold Nering as the Linden-Markt, this historic square was part of the planned expansion of Friedrichstadt to accommodate approximately 20,000 French Protestant Huguenots who had fled religious persecution in France. The square received its current name “Gendarmenmarkt” in 1799, after the elite Prussian cavalry regiment “Gens d’Armes” (men-at-arms) that had their stables and guardhouse here from 1736 to 1782.

The square’s current architectural splendor took shape under Friedrich II (Frederick the Great), with the harmonious ensemble planned by Georg Christian Unger and embellished by Carl von Gontard. The twin cathedrals, crowned with impressive baroque domed towers, create perfect symmetry on either side of Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s neoclassical Konzerthaus, built in 1821 on the ruins of the National Theatre.

At the heart of the square stands the magnificent Schiller Monument, created by Reinhold Begas in 1871. The marble monument depicts the beloved German poet Friedrich Schiller holding a scroll, surrounded by four allegorical female figures representing Poetry, Drama, History, and Philosophy.

The Französischer Dom, completed in 1705, was built for Berlin’s Huguenot community and now houses the Huguenot Museum, which tells the fascinating story of French Protestant refugees who made significant contributions to Berlin’s cultural and economic development. The Deutscher Dom, built in 1708 for the German Lutheran community, now contains the Parliamentary History Exhibition of the German Bundestag, chronicling the development of parliamentary democracy in Germany.

Despite suffering severe damage during World War II, all three buildings have been meticulously restored to their former glory. The square underwent major renovation from 2022-2024, emerging with innovative sustainability features including underground rainwater management systems and complete barrier-free access.

Today, Gendarmenmarkt serves as both a cultural hub and elegant gathering place, hosting the prestigious Christmas market, Classic Open Air concerts, and numerous cultural events throughout the year.