Berliner Dom

It isn't a struggle to try and think of the most beautiful building in Berlin. Overlooking Museuminsel's Lustgarten is the magnificent Berliner Dom, the centre of the Evangelical church in Germany. Although only appearing in it's current Neo-renaissance form since 1905, the cathedral's history dates back as early as 1454 and has transformed architecturally from Renaissance, Brick Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical to this day. The building itself sees ageing sandstone with a darker charcoal tone to it contrast with the green copper and gold of the dome itself, creating an image of timeless grandeur. Christian sculptures and paintings illustrate the purpose of the building, with an imposing statue of Jesus central and above the main entrance. 

Although your expectations may be high for the interior of the building, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking extravagance of the main hall. Framed in intricate white coving, the altar is saturated with sunset hues of copper, bronze and rose-gold allowing the scarlet highlights of the stained glass windows to shine through. No details are spared as the candle holders surrounding the golden altar illuminate the area with a warm glow. To the left and also framed in the same white coving is the 113 stop pipe organ, built originally by Wilhelm Sauer and restored to full working order after an Allied bombing in 1944. It's a goose-bump inducing experience to hear it played, so check the website for recital times and be sure to hear it's rich tones bring the cathedral to life. 

A much less extravagant and more sombre side to the cathedral is found in the crypts. High ceilings and dim lighting give a sense of darkness and loss as you view the graves of royal Prussians. It is also possible in good weather conditions to access the dome itself and get a 360 degree view of the city as you walk around it's circumference, and with all this available to view on a 7€ ticket, why not go visit Berlin's most beautiful building?