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Parochialkirche: A Historic Berlin Church

Discover Berlin's oldest Protestant church, the Parochialkirche, a symbol of resilience and architectural beauty in the heart of Mitte.

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The Parochialkirche, located in Berlin's Mitte district, is the oldest church built for a Protestant congregation in the city, dating back to 1703. Severely damaged during World War II, it has been restored and features a carillon with 52 bells in its 65-meter tower.

A brief summary to Parochialkirche

Local tips

  • Visit during a weekday for a quieter experience and a chance to explore the church's interior without the crowds.
  • Check the church's schedule for any special concerts or events that might be taking place during your visit.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to take photographs of the stunning architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Alexanderplatz, head southwest towards the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall). Continue past the Rotes Rathaus, heading west on Rathausstraße. Turn left onto Klosterstraße. The Parochialkirche will be on your left at Klosterstraße 67. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Alexanderplatz, take the U2 U-Bahn line towards Ruhleben or Theodor-Heuss-Platz and ride for one stop to Klosterstraße station. Exit the station and walk north on Klosterstraße. The Parochialkirche will be on your left at number 67. A single ride ticket (AB zone) costs approximately €3.50.

  • Bus

    From Berlin Hauptbahnhof (central station), take bus line 147 towards S+U Berlin-Zoologischer Garten. Get off after three stops at the Klosterstraße stop. Once you disembark, walk back along Klosterstraße, and Parochialkirche will be on your left at number 67. A single ride ticket (AB zone) costs approximately €3.50.

  • Taxi

    From the Brandenburg Gate, a taxi to Parochialkirche will cost approximately €15-€20 and take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Berlin have a base charge of €4.30 plus €2.80 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Parochialkirche

The Parochialkirche, or Parochial Church, stands as a testament to Berlin's religious and architectural history. Located in the Klosterviertel neighborhood of the Mitte borough, it holds the distinction of being the oldest church in Berlin specifically built for the Reformed Protestant community. Construction of the church began in 1695, with the foundation stone laid not far from the city's historic 13th-century wall. Johann Arnold Nering initially designed the church, but after his death, Martin Grünberg oversaw further construction. Other architects, including Andreas Schlüter, Jean de Bodt, and Philipp Gerlach, also contributed to the building's design, resulting in a subtly baroque structure with Dutch and Italian influences. The church was finally dedicated in 1703. The church's architecture features a chancel with four apses in a cruciform arrangement, arched windows, and a tall narthex flanked by pilasters. The tower, completed later in the 18th century, is adorned with stone lions. The interior reflects a blend of Baroque and classical elements, with high vaulted ceilings and simple nave design. During World War II, the Parochialkirche suffered severe damage, leaving its interior completely gutted. The walls have been left undecorated to this day as a reminder of the war's destruction. In the summer of 2016, the bell tower dome and the carillon were restored. Today, the Parochialkirche hosts concerts and events, and remains a significant part of Berlin's cultural landscape.

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