Friedrichswerdersche Kirche

The first neo-Gothic church in Berlin, Friedrichswerdersche Kirche was designed by famed local architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and built between 1824 and 1830. The church was named for Friedrich Wilhelm – The Great Elector – who served as Duke of Prussia from 1640 until his death in 1688. Schinkel’s clean, orderly style is found in many other Berlin structures designed by this architect, including several buildings on Museum Island.

The exterior of the brick church boasts a simple pillar structure with a double-towered façade. The interior is wide and rather simple as well.

A fine collection of early 19th century sculptures are on exhibit in the nave area of the church, including classical and romantic works by Johann Gottfried Schadow, Christian Friedrich Tieck, Emil Wolff, Theodor Kalide, Ridolfo Schadow, and Christian Daniel Rauch.

The centerpiece of all the works is the original plaster model of “Two Princesses” by Schadow. (The bronze sculpture that came from the cast is in the Old National Gallery.) Schadow’s piece is regarded as a fine example of European classicism and the sculptor was acclaimed for his return to the Greek style of sculpture.

In the gallery of the church, you’ll also find an exhibit sponsored by the National Gallery that profiles the life and works of the church’s architect, K.F. Schinkel, including a wealth of information about the church itself. Known as the Schinkel Museum, this display was installed in 1987 after extensive renovations were completed at the Friedrichswerdersche Kirche.