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Sophien Church: A Baroque Gem in Berlin-Mitte

Discover Berlin's Sophienkirche: A historic baroque church, cultural venue, and site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Berlin visit.

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Sophien Church, or Sophienkirche, is one of the oldest churches in Berlin, dating back to the early 18th century. Named after Sophie Luise, the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, it showcases a blend of baroque and early neoclassical styles. The church is known for its striking spire, intricate altar, and the beautifully crafted Schuke Organ.

A brief summary to Sophien Church

Local tips

  • Visit during a concert to experience the church's excellent acoustics and the Schuke Organ.
  • Explore the serene courtyard and old church cemetery surrounding the church.
  • Take a moment to view the damage in the facade from the Second World War as well as Stolpersteine.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Sophienkirche is easily accessible via public transport. From Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take the S-Bahn (S5, S7, or S75) to Friedrichstraße station. Transfer to the U-Bahn line U6 towards Alt-Tegel and get off at Oranienburger Tor station. Walk straight along Oranienburger Straße for about 5 minutes until you reach Große Hamburger Straße, then turn left. Sophien Church is at Große Hamburger Str. 29-30. A single ticket (AB zone) costs €3.80.

  • Walking

    From Hackescher Markt, walk northwest on Große Hamburger Straße for about 10 minutes. The Sophienkirche will be on your right, set back from the street and surrounded by an old church park.

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Discover more about Sophien Church

The Sophienkirche, located in the Spandauer Vorstadt part of Berlin-Mitte, stands as a testament to Berlin's layered history and architectural evolution. Built in 1712-1713, the church was initially known as the Spandauische Kirche before being named after Sophie Luise, the wife of Frederick I of Prussia. Its design, attributed to Philipp Gerlach, features a simple yet spacious hall. The church's baroque tower, added between 1732 and 1734 by Johann Friedrich Grael, is a distinctive feature and one of the few surviving baroque church towers in Berlin. The interior reflects a neo-Baroque style from an 1892 renovation, with preserved elements like the pulpit, organ, and baptismal font. The surrounding old church cemetery adds to the serene atmosphere, housing the graves of notable figures like Karl Friedrich Zelter and Leopold von Ranke. Sophienkirche holds historical significance beyond its architecture. In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a message of peace and reconciliation at the church during a visit to East Berlin, highlighting the church's role as a site of profound historical importance. Today, the Sophienkirche serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural venue, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and community events.

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