Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
KAISER-WILHELM-GEDÄCHTNISKIRCHE
This ruin is one of Berlin's most photographed landmarks. The Allied bombing of 23
November 1943 left only the husk of the west tower standing, which now serves as an
antiwar memorial. The original church was a magnificent neo-Romanesque pile de-
signed by Franz Schwechten and completed in 1895. Historic photographs displayed
in the Geddenkh
alle (Hall of Remembrance) at the bottom of the tower should help you
visualise its former grandeur. The hall also contains remnants of the elaborate mosa-
ics that once swathed the entire church, depicting heroic moments from Kaiser Wil-
helm I's life, among other scenes. Also note the marble reliefs, liturgical objects and
two symbols of reconciliation: an icon cross donated by the Russian Orthodox church
and a copy of the Cross of Nails from Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed by
Luftwaffe bombers in 1940.
In 1961 a modern bell tower and octagonal n
nkhalle
w chuurcch designed by Egon Eiermann
were completed next to the ruined tower; the latter is especially striking thanks to its
mysteriously glowing midnight-blue glass walls. The huge golden statue of the resur-
rected Christ 'floating' above the altar is made of tombac, a type of brass with a high
copper content, and weighs 300kg. Also note the 'Stalingrad Madonna' (a charcoal
drawing) against the north wall.
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