|
Berlin is dotted with number of ancient structures that add a quaint and fascinating air to the city looks. The Berliner Dome ranks among the prized historic monuments of the city, drawing numerous visitors from the city and beyond. Placed on the Museum Island in River Spree, the Berliner Dome is a popular tourist destination today. The ancient construction houses an interesting history as it witnessed the various episodes in German history. The current monument stands on a site which had housed several structures in the past. The first church that stood on the location had been constructed way back in 1465. The ancient structure than came to function as court church for the Hohenzollern rulers until it a towering cathedral took its place in 1745. The magnificent baroque architecture was again reduced by Emperor Willem II in 1894 to make way for the present dome. The Dome, as it stands today, is basically a 1905 reconstruction, though the traces of the old structure still lurks in every corner of the building narrating an engaging tale to the visitors here. The current construction is actually much larger than the ones it has replaced, and it is even considered to be an equal to the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It is indeed a fabulous structure, and one can trace a distinct Italian Renaissance influence in the style as Julius Raschdorff designed the 114m long and 73m wide Cathedral in 1894. The beautiful architecture had been ruined by the Second World War bombings, and the remnants of the colossal architecture had to be reconstructed to its present state. Thus, straining for survival, Berliner Dome finally opened to the public in 1993 and continues to be an interesting part of Berlin's history. The ancient church houses a precious legacy which comprises of antique displays like the 1530 Elector's tomb, Sauer's Organ, an interesting neo-baroque pulpit, and an exquisite piece of stained glasses painted by Anton von Werner. The interiors of the Dome are intricately adorned with mosaic work. The crypt here is a bewitching place to be in, as about eighty tombs are laid here to mark the deceased Prussian rulers. Berliner allows its visitors to climb up the dome for breath taking vistas of the bustling city below.
|
