The capital of Germany is one of the most vibrant cities that contain a great amount of historical places. Such a building which is symbolic for the city and for the history of Christianity there is the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
The Origins and Significance
Specifications Known in German as Gedächtniskirche, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was constructed at the end of the nineteenth century to honour Kaiser Wilhelm I. The church served as a preaching place for the Protestant Church of Prussia and represented the memory of the first German Emperor to contribute to the unification of the country.
In the Second World War, the church was attacked by the Allies’ air raid through bombing this site in 1943. It was not that the Germans wanted to continue living among the debris, but they decided to leave the ruins as a symbol of the terrible losses which war brings. The remaining tower, also in poor condition and therefore nicknamed the “hollow tooth”, retains its significance as the working symbol of the people of Berlin.
The Church’s Architecture
It is an architectural blend of the gothic revival over the roman languages of architectural style. This is a product of desert home architectural style and boasts of delicate stone carving, extensive stained glass and blue mosaic dome on the ceiling. The old church had a storey high steeple but unfortunately during the bombings part of it was brought down.
The New Church and Memorial Hall
A new building was put up in 1961 just off the old church ruins in its close proxmity. Designed by Egon Eiermann, the new building, referred to the “new church” is a cube in contrast with the old age Cistercian basilica ruins. St John’s church is of contemporary design and is constructed from scaffolding of cement and glass in an octagonal layout.
Adjacent to the building of the latest and contemporary church was the construction of the Memorial Hall in 1987 with an aim of promoting peace and reconciliation. In the interior of the Memorial Hall more interesting exhibitions and multimedia installations are placed to tell about the history and meaning of the church.
Visiting the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Situated at Breitscheidplatz, in the middle of Berlin you can discover the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on your own by using local transportation facilities. Inside, they will be able to see the cultural history of the church and walk around the prominent Kurfürstendamm shopping street near by.
Services and Events
Public services are held on Sundays while the church also offers group and Individual guided tours for those interested in knowing more on religious and Cultural history of the Church. That is apart from the Sunday worship services the church provides facility for music concerts, organ recitals and other cultural programmes.
Remembrance and Reflection
When one is walking around the archeological remains of the first tower, one can only feel a grave concern. This pointed reminder of the devastation of war makes it a place of meaning in the community and acceptable to mourn. It is seen that the church represents an ability of the German people to stand up and defend themselves.
Conclusion
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church remains one of Berlin’s most important attractions that combines historical and artistic value with an architectural masterpiece. This pairing of the war’s aftermath thus shown in the ruins and the subsequent construction of a new church gives the viewer a moving history lesson.
If you have any interest in history, architecture or you want to visit a place filled with historical importance, it would be more than unwise to skip the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Follow in the footsteps of millions, and come to understand the message it conveys.
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