Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Berlin Cathedral was finished in 1905, although there has been a church on this site since the 1500s. At the time of construction, the neo-Renaissance structure was considered the Protestant equivalent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and was the parish church of the Prussian royal family—some of whom are interred in the Hohenzollern crypt under the church. The interior is highly decorative, with carved walls, gilt edges, and large-scale paintings; one of the cathedral’s most famous works is the marble and onyx altar by Friedrich August Stüler. Many visitors come to marvel at the enormous domed ceiling, which you can climb for panoramic views of the area. There is also an on-site museum that details the church’s construction.

Many guided bus and walking tours of the city visit the cathedral, sightseeing cruises pass by its facade, and hop-on hop-off tours stop here. Entry is via paid ticket, which is covered by a Berlin Pass. Self-guided audio tours are available, and 20-minute guided tours are included with the entry fee; special organ tours and demonstrations are for an additional fee.