Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s most striking squares, a carefully composed space in Mitte framed by the Konzerthaus and the domed towers of the Deutscher Dom and Französischer Dom. The concert hall’s classical façade and the Schiller monument at its feet make the square an especially rewarding place to pause and look around.
The square’s history reaches back to the late 17th century, when French Huguenot refugees settled in Berlin. Their church became part of the Französischer Dom, while the Deutscher Dom served a German-speaking congregation. The square later took its name from the Gens d’Armes, a Prussian cavalry regiment stationed nearby. Badly damaged during the Second World War, its landmark buildings were restored in the decades that followed.
Come for the architecture, or pair a visit with a performance at the Konzerthaus and dinner in the surrounding streets. Early morning and dusk offer lovely light and a quieter view of the façades. Stadtmitte U-Bahn station, served by the U2 and U6, is a short walk away. The square is also associated with a popular Christmas market, though its location and admission arrangements can vary, so check ahead.