Gendarmenmarkt facts for kids

The Gendarmenmarkt is a beautiful public square in the city of Berlin, Germany. It's a famous spot where you can find three important buildings: the Konzerthaus (a concert hall), the French Cathedral, and the German Cathedral. Right in the middle of the square, there's a statue of a famous German poet named Friedrich Schiller.

Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin

The Gendarmenmarkt was first created in the late 1600s by an architect named Johann Arnold Nering. Back then, it was called the Linden-Markt. Later, in 1773, it was redesigned by Georg Christian Unger. The square got its current name, Gendarmenmarkt, from a special Prussian army unit called the Gens d'Armes, who used to have stables and a guard house nearby.

During World War II, many of the buildings around the Gendarmenmarkt were badly damaged or completely destroyed. But don't worry! Today, all these historic buildings have been carefully rebuilt and restored to look just as they did before.

The Gendarmenmarkt is also well-known for hosting one of Berlin's most popular Christmas markets every year. It's a magical place to visit, especially during the holiday season.

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  Gendarmenmarkt around 1900

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  Gendarmenmarkt at dusk

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  German Cathedral and Concert Hall

What You Can See There

The Gendarmenmarkt is home to three main attractions that make it special.

The Konzerthaus

The Konzerthaus is a grand concert hall. It's a place where people go to listen to amazing music performances. This building was designed by a famous architect named Karl Friedrich Schinkel. It's known for its beautiful design and excellent acoustics, which means the sound inside is really clear.

The French Cathedral

On one side of the square, you'll see the Französischer Dom, or French Cathedral. This church was built for French Protestants, called Huguenots, who came to Berlin seeking safety. It has a tall, impressive tower that you can even climb for a great view of the city.

The German Cathedral

On the other side of the square is the Deutscher Dom, or German Cathedral. This church was built for the German Lutheran community. Like the French Cathedral, it has a large dome and a grand appearance. Today, it often hosts exhibitions about German history and democracy.

Schiller's Statue

In the very center of the Gendarmenmarkt stands a large statue of Friedrich Schiller. He was a very important German poet, philosopher, and playwright. His works are still studied and performed today. The statue honors his contributions to German culture.

History of the Square

The Gendarmenmarkt has a long and interesting history.

Early Beginnings

The square was first laid out in 1688. It was part of a plan to expand Berlin. At that time, it was called the Linden-Markt, named after the lime trees that grew there. It served as a market square for the growing city.

Renaming and Redesign

In the early 1700s, the square became home to the stables and guard posts of the "Gens d'Armes." This was a special cavalry regiment of the Prussian army. This is how the square got its current name, Gendarmenmarkt. In the late 1700s, the square was redesigned to look more grand and organized. This included adding the two cathedrals and the concert hall.

Gendarmenmarkt Today

Today, the Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin's most popular public spaces. It's a place where people gather for many reasons.

A Place for Events

Besides the Christmas market, the square hosts many other events throughout the year. These can include open-air concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations. Its beautiful setting makes it a perfect spot for public gatherings.

A Tourist Attraction

Many tourists visit the Gendarmenmarkt to admire its architecture and learn about its history. It's a great example of Berlin's rich past and its journey of rebuilding after difficult times. The restored buildings show how much care was put into preserving the city's heritage.

Images for kids

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  2008 panorama of the Gendarmenmarkt, showing the Konzerthaus, flanked by the German Church (left) and French Church (right)

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  View of Gendarmenmarkt with the Konzerthaus to the right and the German Church in the back, as seen from the top of the French Church, 2011

See also

In Spanish: Gendarmenmarkt para niños