French Cathedral, Berlin Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids French (Reformed) Church of Friedrichstadt
Französisch-reformierte Friedrichstadtkirche
View from west onto the church proper, surmounted by the adjacent domed tower
Religion
Affiliation	United Protestant since its reconstruction in 1981; originally Reformed (i.e. Calvinist) and intended for the Huguenot community
District	Calvinist congregation: Reformed deanery of Berlin-Brandenburg united congregation: Sprengel Berlin (region), Kirchenkreis Stadtmitte (deanery)
Province	Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia
Location
Location	Friedrichstadt, a locality of Berlin
Architecture
Architect(s)	Louis Cayart and Abraham Quesnay (1701–05), Carl von Gontard (design), Georg Christian Unger (tower construction in 1780–05), Otto March (interior reshape 1905), Manfred Prasser, Roland Steiger and Uwe Karl (reconstruction 1977–81)
Completed	1 March 1705, reconstruction 1981

The French (Reformed) Church of Friedrichstadt is a famous building in Berlin, Germany. It stands in a square called Gendarmenmarkt. Across from it are the Konzerthaus (a concert hall) and the German Cathedral.

The first parts of this church were built in 1701. Over time, it was made bigger. The church was badly damaged during World War II. But it was rebuilt and still holds church services and concerts today.

What's in a Name?
History of the Church
Images for kids
See also

What's in a Name?

The church's official name is "French Church of Friedrichstadt". However, most people call it Französischer Dom. This means "French Cathedral" in German.

It's interesting because neither this church nor the German Cathedral is actually a cathedral. A cathedral is the main church of a bishop. These churches never had bishops. The word Dom here comes from the French word "dôme," which means "dome" or "cupola." This name was used because of Frederick the Great, who loved French culture.

History of the Church

Early Construction (1701-1705)

The French Church was built between 1701 and 1705. Two architects, Louis Cayart and Abraham Quesnay, designed it. It was made for the Huguenot community in Berlin. Huguenots were French Protestants who followed the Calvinist faith.

At that time, about 25% of Berlin's population were Huguenots. The church was designed to look like a Huguenot temple in France that had been destroyed.

Adding the Domed Tower (1785)

In 1785, Carl von Gontard changed the church's design. He added a large domed tower next to it. This tower is what gave the church its common name, Französischer Dom.

The tower is actually a separate building from the church. They have different owners. The tower was built to make the Gendarmenmarkt square look even grander. This was a special request from Frederick the Great. The German Cathedral on the other side of the square, however, has its church and tower as one building.

Changes Over Time

In 1817, the French Church community joined a larger group called the "Evangelical Church in Prussia." Most Protestant churches in Prussia joined this group. Even so, the "French Church of Friedrichstadt" kept its Calvinist beliefs.

Before this union, the church slowly started to adopt some Lutheran traditions. For example, an organ was installed in 1753. This was new because Calvinist tradition usually meant singing without music. In 1791, they started singing hymns in addition to psalms.

In 1905, Otto March redecorated the inside of the church. It became more decorative but still followed Calvinist styles. Today, the church community is part of the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia.

Rebuilding After War

The Französischer Dom was badly damaged during World War II. It was rebuilt between 1977 and 1981. Today, the church is used by its members. It also hosts meetings for the Evangelical Church in Germany.

You can go up to the observation deck in the domed tower. From there, you get a great view of downtown Berlin. There is also a restaurant in the basement of the church. The tower also houses the Berlin Huguenot Museum.

Images for kids

The Protestant Temple in Charenton before it was taken down.
The Französischer Dom tower and prayer hall after being damaged in war, with the destroyed Schauspielhaus (left), photo from October 4, 1951.
The Cathedral during the Festival of Lights.
View from the west in 2016.