Overview

Gendarmenmarkt is considered by many to be Berlin's prettiest square. Flanked by the twin churches Deutscher Dom and Französischer Dom, the square is crowned by Schinkel's neoclassical masterpiece, the Konzerthaus. The name of the square comes from the 'Soldier King' Frederick William I, who housed his cavalry (gens d'arms) here in the early 18th Century. The Französischer Dom (French cathedral) offered refuge to the French Huguenot community who fled to Prussia to escape persecution in 18th Century France. The ground floor now houses a museum, while the dome offers fantastic panoramic views over the city.