French Cathedral

Named for its ornate dome, this beautiful 18th-century tower within Mitte’s Gendarmenmarkt is a great place to see sweeping views across the city.

Look out across Berlin’s historic city center from the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom), the collective name for the magnificent church and adjacent tower in the heart of the Mitte district. Built in the early 1700s as a sanctuary for Germany’s Huguenot (Calvinist) community, the church is not technically a cathedral. Rather, the Dom is named for the immense tower that was built directly behind the church in 1785. Visit the Huguenot Museum within the tower and climb the stairway to the observation platform for panoramic city views.

From Gendarmenmarkt, you can get a captivating perspective of both the church and the tower. Traditionally known as Französischer Friedrichstadtkirche, the church was designed by French architect Jean Cayart and based on the destroyed Huguenot temple of Charenton-Saint Maurice in the Paris region. Admire the church’s magnificent classical styling, which features a broad portico and a pediment topped with statues. If you look at the church from the west, you’ll see a breathtaking view that draws the church’s façade in line with the domed tower directly behind.

Enter the church to explore the intriguing decorations of its interior, which was refurbished in 1905.

Make your way to the base of the tower. You’ll find Berlin’s Huguenot Museum located here, which provides an insight into the community’s history and traditions. Students can peruse the books and archives of the French parish in the library. Find the spiral stairwell and climb the 284 steps that lead to the viewing platform within the tower’s balustrade. You’ll see unbeatable views of Berlin’s iconic city skyline. Descend downstairs to the basement beneath the prayer hall to find a restaurant.

The French Cathedral is located on Gendarmenmarkt square in Mitte. It is easy to reach via the subway and public bus system. Visit between Tuesday and Sunday from midday until the late afternoon. There are church services held every Sunday morning. The church is free to visit, however, the tower and Huguenot Museum have a small admission fee. Guided tours are available with prior booking.