Berlin - Berlin Cathedral/Berliner Dom

The Cathedral's actual construction began in 1894 and was preceded by a long, complicated planning phase with a number of architects. Julius Carl Raschdorff was awarded the commission. To begin this project, the design remodeled in 1820 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel had to be removed. The cathedral was consecrated in 1905.

During 1944, The Cathedral sustained damage from bombs as far down as the crypts. Rubuilding didn't really begin in ernest until 1975 and in at this time, the Denkmalskirche or memorial chapel was torn down. The Berlin Cathedral is the largest most impressive protestant church in Berlin.

The chancel at the eastern end of the main nave is breathtaking. It contains rectangular and oval stained glass windows designed by Anton von Werner. The original windows were destroyed in a bomb blast in December 1940 but the colour and charcoal drawings survived along with the remenents of the windows themselves. A company from Paderborn were able to recreate Werner's designs. The stained glass windows depict the centeral elements of Christian faith - the incarnation of the Son of God, the Salvation of Man through sacrifical death, and the Resurrection.

The pulpit stands in the north-eastern niche between the alter and the organ. It was designed by Otto Raschdorff, son of Julius Carl, and was completed in 1907. It is carved from oak, partially gilded and bears the words "The Word of the Lord is for evermore." The work on this pulpit is unbelievable.

The organ in The Berlin Cathedral is the largest organ ever built by the organ makers Wilhelm Sauer in Frankfurt/Oder, taking up the whole loft on the north side of the cathedral. The organ was damaged by gunfire in the weeks immediatly before and after the end of World War II and a large number of pipes were stolen and offered for sale on the black market. Restoration was completed in 1993 by the original manufacturers at a cost of 600,000 euros or over $780,748. The organ, or the "Old Lady" as the cathedral workers call it, has 7269 pipes, 113 registers, 4 manuals and 1 pedal.

I have also included a photo of the Nativity. All the figures in the amazing piece appeared life size. The three wisemen were not placed in the nativity itself but were up in the north loft by the organ.

I hope you enjoy the crazy amount of information and the photos that follow. If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Berlin Cathedral, it is well worth your time!