The French and German domes, Berlin: history and visit

The French and German domes, in Berlin

The French and German domes are the two twin domed churches that frame the Gendarmenmarkt, in Berlin. The Berlin audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke these remarkable buildings, witnesses of the religious history of the town.

The two twin churches of the Gendarmenmarkt

The French dome and the German dome harmoniously frame the Gendarmenmarkt with their twin silhouettes. The French dome, or Französischer Dom, is linked to the history of the Huguenots, those French Protestants who, fleeing persecution, found refuge in Berlin and formed an important community there, contributing to the rise of the town. It shelters a church and a place of memory of this history. The German dome, or Deutscher Dom, faces it symmetrically and hosts exhibitions. Topped with their elegant domes, these two monumental buildings give the Gendarmenmarkt its balance and its majesty. You discover them with respect, witnesses of the spiritual history and the tolerance in Berlin.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the two twin domed churches that frame the Gendarmenmarkt, the French dome linked to the history of the Huguenots and sheltering a place of memory, and the German dome that hosts exhibitions. The domes give the square its balance and its majesty. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The French and German domes frame the Gendarmenmarkt, in the heart of Berlin, reachable on foot. You admire their façades from the square; the places of worship, memory and exhibition they shelter follow their own hours, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the character of the places.

To what history is the French dome of Berlin linked?

To that of the Huguenots, French Protestants who, fleeing persecution, found refuge in Berlin and formed an important community there; the French dome shelters a church and a place of memory of this history.