The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church sits in the centre of Berlin, Germany and is a reminder to the resilience and history of this city. Its architectural styles joined by the oblique line suggesting the church’s empty pulpit – and its symbolic significance – makes the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church a draw for tourists and locals alike.
The History of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Built in the late 19th century as a reminder to the Kaiser Wilhelm I, the first German Emperor, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, or in German the Gedächtniskirche, was once used as a well preserved reminder to an era long gone. The architect of the church was Franz Schwechten, and it was used as a symbol of national unity and monument to dynastic House of Hohenzollern.
But in the course of World War II, the church was badly damaged by bombings. The company’s once grand structure left in ruins after the original spire was destroyed. After the war rather than destroying the ruins completely, the ruined church was decided to keep as a reminder of the damage to war.
The Architecture of the Church
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church houses an interesting mixture of architectural styles. The surviving part of the building, the Memorial Hall, is in the original neo-Romanesque design. With arches and columns in its intricate detailing, the original structure obviously had grand design.
The modern belfry tower adjoins the Memorial Hall. The hexagonal tower, built in the 1960s from concrete and blue stained glass. It was a fitting addition to the old and new perfectly sequence the past with the future of the city.
The Memorial Hall
The surviving part of the original church is the Memorial Hall, or Gedenkhalle. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church functions as a memorial as well as museum, dedicated to the history and weight of the church. Visitors can examine exhibits and discover the church’s history inside.
The mosaic of the Archangel Michael is one of the most important features of the Memorial Hall. Anton von Werner masterpiece pictured here shows the Archangel Michael defeating the Devil, representing the win of positive over negative. The mosaic is a splendid example of late 19th century art, and it enhances the excellence of the church.
The Belfry Tower
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is enhanced by the modern belfry tower. It stands at 77 meters and panoramically displays Berlin. From its base, platform 4, obligatory visitors can take an elevator up to the top of the tower, where stellar views of a city famous for ‘Brandenburg Gate and Berlin TV Tower’ can be enjoyed.
The Evangelical Berlin City Church Foundation, which took over the legacy of the original church, can be found inside the belfry tower. It is a place of worship and houses various events and concerts throughout the entire year.
Visiting the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
A trip to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is strongly recommended if you’re planning a visit to Berlin. Situated in the Charlottenburg district on Breitscheidplatz, it’s easily accessible from any parts of the city.
If you visit the church, there is no reason to not spend a little extra time exploring the surroundings. Breitscheidplatz is a lively square, with shops, restaurants and cafes. The Europa Center is also popular shopping and entertainment complex.
When you are entering the church remember to dress respectfully as it is an active place of worship. The church is usually open to the public for admission to the Memorial Hall and to the belfry tower, but donations are welcomed to enable maintenance and preservation of the church.
A visit to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a must whether you are interested in history, architecture or you just wanna get the feeling you have been somewhere important. The Berlin struggle represents resilience and ability to rebuild itself after wars destroyed this place in the past.
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