During an air raid in 1943, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was severely damaged. Today, the ruins stand as a solemn reminder of World War II

The ruins of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church have been partially rebuilt in a modern architectural style. It was originally a church built in the Neo-Romanesque style as a protest against socialist values and a return to traditional religious values.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitsheidplatz in Berlin was built by Emperor Wilhelm II and Empress Augusta Victoria from 1891 onwards, over a period of five years.

Franz Schwechten from the Building Academy was responsible for the architecture, inspired by Bonn Minister in Bonn.

Read more about the Building Academy here

During a raid on 23 November 1943, the church met its end. British bombers dropped their payload on the church, leaving it in ruins.

Four years later, however, the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche Foundation decided that the church should be rebuilt. However, no agreement could be reached on how to do this until the late 1950s.

The architect Egon Eiermann was commissioned to oversee the reconstruction. He had suggested that the old church spire be demolished, but this provoked such a strong reaction from Berliners that he decided to preserve the bombed church tower.

Today, the tower stands as a grim reminder of the horrors of war.

On either side of the old church tower, a modern church tower and a modern church hall have been built.

Breitscheidplatz, where Kaiser Wilhelm’s memorial church is located, is also the setting for one of Berlin’s most popular Christmas markets every December.

In 2016, the Christmas market was hit by a terrorist attack in which a truck plowed into the crowd. Thirteen people were killed and 48 others were injured.

The names of the victims are engraved on the steps leading up to the church, and on the anniversary, the steps are covered with wreaths and flowers in memory of the victims.

Church services are still held in the church, and it is possible to view the ruins from the inside. Please refer to the church’s website for opening hours.

Where:
Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin

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Family friendly: Yes
Price: Free