Gendarmenmarkt

Just in time for spring: after around two years of renovation, Berliners and all visitors to the city can once again stroll across the great historic square and linger in the sunshine.

In an impressive and almost invisible way, the paving of the Gendarmenmarkt has not only been renovated in line with its listed status, but also with an innovative sustainability concept: A new, five-kilometre-long supply network for electricity, drinking water and waste water now extends beneath the 14,000 square metre area. And that's not all: for the first time, rainwater can now seep away over a large area on the Gendarmenmarkt and is collected in underground basins for sustainable reuse. This "rainwater management", which is imperceptible to visitors, makes the square climate-resilient.

Particularly important for everyone: the centuries-old square is completely barrier-free for the first time. This means that the magnificent offerings of the surrounding splendid historic houses are now more easily accessible for all visitors: Whether you are listening to one of the first-class concerts at the Konzerthaus , in German Cathedral learn interesting facts about the history of German democracy or enjoy the 360° panorama over Berlin on the viewing platform of the Experience the French Cathedral and indulge in culinary delights afterwards.... A visit to the Gendarmenmarkt is definitely worth it!

Perfect harmony

It’s said to be the most beautiful public square in Berlin, and perhaps the most beautiful north of the Alps. The ensemble of the concert house and two church buildings embellished with towers is in perfect harmony. In summer, orchestras play the most beautiful classical melodies at the Classic Open Air, and in winter the square transforms into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market. 

Once, soldiers matched here: The history of Gendarmenmarkt

The Friedrichstadt quarter was built by Friedrich I at the end of the 17th century according to plans by Johann Arnold Nering. Its main residents were Huguenot refugees from France, which is why the French Protestant community was given one church on the square, and the Lutheran congregation the other. The square got its name from the “Gens d’armes” cuirassier regiment, whose stables there were demolished by Friedrich II. Between the two churches, a new theatre, now known as the Konzerthaus Berlin, was built.

Right in the middle of the square, in front of the Konzerthaus, is a statue of the poet Friedrich Schiller. It was not until twelve years after the foundation stone was laid that the monument was unveiled. After the Second World War, the square lay in ruins. In the 1970s, the East Berlin government had it rebuilt in its current form. Having been renamed Platz der Akademie in 1950, Gendarmenmarkt got its old name back in 1991 after reunification.

A dome, not a church

Gendarmenmarkt took on its current form under Friedrich II – with a harmonious architectural ensemble planned by Georg Christian Unger. Carl von Gontard embellished both the Französische Friedrichstadtkirche and the Lutheran church with almost over-dimensioned domed towers. Although the towers are called the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom (“Dom” means “cathedral” in German), they are not churches. They are simply called that after the French word for a dome.  

Today, the Deutscher Dom houses the Parliamentary History Exhibition of the German Bundestag, which is dedicated to the development of parliamentary democracy in Germany. The Französischer Dom contains the Huguenot Museum. The lower part of the building is still the Französische Friedrichstadtkirche.

A famous resident – E.T.A. Hoffmann

The poet E.T.A. Hoffmann once lived here at Gendarmenmarkt and captured the hustle and bustle of the city in his story Des Vetters Eckfenster. He liked to celebrate in the Lutter & Wegner wine bar, which is still a restaurant on Gendarmenmarkt today. It is here that his friend, the actor Ludwig Devrient, is said to have created the word “Sekt” as a corruption of the word.  

Classic Open Air

Every summer, Gendarmenmarkt is the romantic setting for the Classic Open Air series of concerts. On the steps of the Konzerthaus, the orchestras play lively classics while the sun slowly sets on a balmy summer’s evening.

Christmas market

During Advent, a charming Christmas market is held at Gendarmenmarkt. The lovingly decorated wooden booths offer traditional handicraft items and delicious Christmas specialities.

Attractions around Gendarmenmarkt

• Konzerthaus
• Deutscher Dom
• Französischer Dom
• Friedrichstraße
• Komische Oper Berlin
• Unter den Linden
• Bebelplatz