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 is located in a beautiful square called Gendarmenmarkt. You can find it across from the Konzerthaus (a concert hall) and the German Cathedral. This church is often called the Französischer Dom, which means 'French Cathedral'. The first parts of the church were built in 1701. It was later 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?
- Why it's Called a Cathedral
History of the French Church
Images for kids
See also

What's in a Name?

The official name of this building is the "French Church of Friedrichstadt". But most people call it the Französischer Dom, or "French Cathedral".

Why it's Called a Cathedral

It's important to know that this church is not a true cathedral. A cathedral is a church where a bishop has his main seat. This church never had a bishop. The word Dom in German means "cathedral". But here, it comes from the French word "dôme". This word means "dome" or "cupola". The name comes from a time when Frederick the Great was king. He spoke French and helped make the Gendarmenmarkt square look grand.

History of the French Church

The French Church has a long and interesting history. It was built for a special community of people.

Building the First Church

The first parts of the French Church were built between 1701 and 1705. The architects were Louis Cayart and Abraham Quesnay. They built it for the Huguenot community. Huguenots were French Protestants, followers of a branch of Christianity called Calvinism. At that time, about 25 out of every 100 people in Berlin were Huguenots. The church was designed to look like a Huguenot temple in France that had been destroyed.

Adding the Domed Tower

In 1785, Carl von Gontard made changes to the church. He added a large domed tower next to it. This tower is what gave the church its common name, Französischer Dom. Even though they are right next to each other, the tower is not officially part of the church building. They even have different owners! The tower was built to make the Gendarmenmarkt square look even more beautiful. This was done because King Frederick the Great wanted it.

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. The French Church kept its Calvinist beliefs.

Over the years, the church also adopted some new traditions. For example, in 1753, an organ was put in the church. Before that, Calvinist tradition was to sing without music. In 1791, they started singing hymns in addition to psalms. The inside of the church was also redecorated in 1905 by Otto March. Today, the church community is part of the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia.

War Damage and Rebuilding

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 for services. It also hosts meetings for the Evangelical Church in Germany.

Visiting the Church Today

You can visit the domed tower and go up to the observation deck. From there, you get a great view of downtown Berlin. There is also a restaurant in the basement of the church. The tower also has the Berlin Huguenot museum, where you can learn more about the Huguenot people.

Images for kids

The Protestant Temple in Charenton before its demolition.
War-destroyed Französischer Dom tower and damaged actual prayer hall with the destroyed Schauspielhaus (left), photo of 4 October 1951.
Cathedral during Festival of Lights
Cathedral in 2007