French Cathedral

The French Cathedral is a Protestant church made of brick at Gendarmenmarkt, with a neoclassical tower that shapes the square's character. The dome rises about 230 feet (70 meters) above the plaza level and makes the building visible from many parts of the city.

Construction began in 1701 for the Reformed congregation of Huguenots who had fled from France. Architect Carl von Gontard fundamentally changed the building by adding the characteristic dome and tower in 1785.

The building reflects the history of Huguenots who settled here, and its simple, image-free design shows their Protestant beliefs to this day. When you enter the square, the church feels like a quiet place in the middle of the bustling Gendarmenmarkt.

If you use the staircase to reach the observation platform, you'll need stamina for the climb, but the view over Berlin makes the effort worthwhile. It's wise to wear comfortable shoes and come during daylight hours for a clear view across the city.

The building holds a carillon made of 60 brass bells, one of Berlin's largest bell systems. The bells ring at set times and add a special acoustic quality to the square that many visitors discover when they spend time there.

Location: Bezirk Mitte von Berlin

Inception: 1701

Architects: Carl von Gontard

Architectural style: neoclassicism

Made from material: brick

Website: https://franzoesische-kirche.de

GPS coordinates: 52.51444,13.39222

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:24