In case you are thinking of visiting Berlin Germany, then you will probably have stumbled on St. Hedwig’s Cathedral in your search. So what has made this cathedral basically remarkable than any other cathedral and therefore deserves a visit? In this blog let’s take a closer look at the history, architectural features, and old legends related to St. Hedwig’s Cathedral.
The BRIEF history of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral
Berlin’s St. Hedwig’s Cathedral more commonly referred to as Berlin’s St. Hedwig’s Church, is situated in Bebelplatz, the city centre. It does mean that its name is derived from St. Hedwig of Silesia, the patroness of Silesia and the first member of the Bavarian royal family of the female sex. This cathedral was in the process of construction in 1747 and was fully constructed in 1773.
Of special interest is the fact that St. Hedwig’s Cathedral also suffered great losses from the war, as several of its walls and ceilings caved in from a shell explosion Nonetheless, the cathedral serves as an emblem of the spirit of reconstruction in the post-war times. It’s still a renowned church and historical icon for both religion and culture in Berlin ever since.
The story of the beautiful edifice of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral
The architecture of this cathedral can be best described as a unique wonderful mix of the styles of different ages, but the two most dominant are Late Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. In planning and construction of this cathedral, German architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff was involved and one special feature is that the floor plan of this building is circular as is not common with most church buildings.
Corinthian columns and a large central portal give the magnificent exterior of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. It has a simple but beautiful tree-like design, which gives evolutionary clues about how structures came to be built with such precise form.
Interior decoration and Stylization
Once you step inside the gates of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, what you get to see makes up for it. The interior decoration is astonishing with high ceilings and beautiful stuccowork as well as frescoes. There also is an impressive organ in its center and its acoustics, as well as, the work done on the timber used in the construction of this marvel are first-rate.
Another treasure of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral is religious art and such elements as sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows. These artistic features complement other appearances within the compound and help to make the overall environment to be peaceful to any visitors.
This paper aims at ascertaining the religious importance and position of these in contemporary Berlin culture.
St. Hedwig’s Cathedral is not only the unique building that plays the role of the architectural decoration of Berlin, but also the working Cathedral of the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Berlin, its fundamental purpose is to provide spiritual support as well as to be a ecumenical place of congregation.
Today the cathedral has an important functions in the concert life of Berlin and annually holds various concerts and other cultural events. The travelers’ visiting St. Hedwig’s Cathedral can listen to classics, come to the opera, theater, and attend a concert of A German choir and more.
Knowing how to visit St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, or the St. Maria Hedwig Cathedral, as it also called is as follows:
If you’re planning to visit St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
Visit the cathedral during operating hours because it may close to the public during certain religious services or occasions.
Perhaps visiting the cathedral in the evening to watch a musical, concert or performance so as to capture the best feel the acoustics will provide will be advisable.
Cathedral must be respected as a shrine; no loud noises or talking loud should be made during the exercise.
You should join the tour to enjoy the beautifully designed completion and stained glass windows, art work, and the quietness of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral.
A visit to St Hedwig’s Cathedral is a chance to get acquainted with historical, cultural, , and artistic aspect of Berlin. As the search for spiritual comfort through prayer or architectural marvels or cultural value and trips, St. Hedwig Cathedral is one place that should not be overlooked.
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