The Gendarmenmarkt

One of the best places to learn about Germany's history and architecture in Berlin is the Gendarmenmarkt. This is arguably Berlin's most beautiful square. It was built at the end of the 17th century based on the plans of Johann Arnold Nering, and officially gained its name "Gendarmenmarkt" in 1799. The Gendarmenmarkt square is best known for the building trio that frames it: the German Cathedral, the French Cathedral, and the Konzerthaus, which are considered the most stunning architectural ensembles in Berlin. Each historical phase has left its architectural traces here.

The German Cathedral and the French Cathedral are the twin buildings that both emerged from relatively plain churches built on the market square around 1705. The designation "cathedral" may cause slight confusion here because it exclusively refers to the architectural form of the domed buildings, not to the churches themselves. Konzerthaus Berlin is the centerpiece of the three-part ensemble. It is a concert hall built according to the plans of Karl Friedrich Schinkel between 1817 and 1821 on the foundation walls of the burned-down National Theater. The interior features sculptural decorations by Christian Rauch and Friedrich Tieck and a redesigned neo-baroque auditorium.

Today, the area around the Gendarmenmarkt is home to numerous shops, elegant cafés and restaurants, and luxury hotels. Popular annual events held on the square are the Christmas market and the Classic Open Air concert.