Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Square · Berlim, Berlim
Gendarmenmarkt
A 17th-century square in central Berlin, with Schinkel’s Konzerthaus between two nearly identical domed churches: the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Gendarmenmarkt
The Gendarmenmarkt was created in 1688 during the city’s expansion and is named after a cavalry regiment, the Gens d'armes, which had stables there. The area received many Huguenots, French Protestants who took refuge in Prussia, and their presence explains one of the churches on the square.
In the centre stands the Konzerthaus, a former theatre designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, now a concert hall for classical music, with a statue of the poet Friedrich Schiller in front. On one side is the Französischer Dom, the French church, which houses a museum about the Huguenots; on the other is the Deutscher Dom, the German church, with a parliamentary exhibition about the history of democracy in Germany, free to enter. The two domed towers were designed by Carl von Gontard in the 18th century.
The square was destroyed in World War II and reconstructed between 1976 and 1993. At the end of the year it usually hosts one of the city’s most popular Christmas markets, from late November until close to Christmas.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the square. With the Deutscher Dom exhibition or the Französischer Dom museum, allow one to two hours.
Best time
By day to see the façades, at night with the square lit up, or before a concert at the Konzerthaus. In December, during the Christmas market.
How to get there
The stations Stadtmitte (U2 and U6) and Hausvogteiplatz (U2) are a few minutes away. The square is one block from Friedrichstraße and about a 10-minute walk from Unter den Linden.
Tip
Check the Konzerthaus schedule: attending a concert is the best way to see the interior. Around the square there are cafés and restaurants.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gendarmenmarkt
What is at the Gendarmenmarkt?
The Konzerthaus in the center and two domed churches, the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom, one on each side.
Can you enter the churches?
Yes. The Deutscher Dom has an exhibition on the history of German democracy, and the Französischer Dom houses a Huguenot museum. Check opening times before you go.
Is there a Christmas market?
There usually is, from late November until just before Christmas.
How to get there?
From the Stadtmitte or Hausvogteiplatz U-Bahn stations, a few minutes on foot.