The Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin
"This square certainly has some Italian charm"
On Gendarmenmarkt you find the German and the French Cathedral as well as in the middle is the concert hall. It has an area of about 3.3 hectares.
The History
The history of the Gendarmenmarkt begins at the end of the 17th century. During this time many French immigrants came to Berlin. The square was first named "Esplanade". A few years later it changed to "Lindenmarkt", then "Friedrichstädter Markt" and after that "Neuer Markt". Since the 18th century the guard regiment "Gens d'armes" were located here, so in 1799 it was finally named “Gendarmenmarkt”.
Two very plain churches were first on the square. Then two identical churches were built during 1780-1785. Finally, the concert hall was built from 1817 to 1821 using the original foundations of the then burned down national theatre. In 1935 the National Socialists removed the “Schiller monument”, which was put back on its original place during the 750th anniversary celebration.
Like many other places in Berlin the Gendarmenmarkt was badly damaged during WW2. During the GDR period the square was given the name “Place of the Academy”. Only after the reunification in 1989, the Gendarmenmarkt received its old name back.
Today, the Gendarmenmarkt looks just as magnificent as ever. Around the square are beautiful little cafes and restaurants that invite you to relax. Simply switch off and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this place, and then continue your tour of Berlin, maybe to the Museum Island or take a little shopping trip to Friedrichstrasse.
If you have questions, please talk to us. Our relexa team will gladly assist you with any questions about directions, prices and more. Simply call us on +49 (0) 30-264830 or by email: berlin@relexa-hotel.de.
