Germany is a historical country with unbelievable sightseeing, beautiful architecture and famous monuments. One of the many such overtures that tells of hope and rememberance is the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Located in Berlin, Germany this site has been significant to the month’s history, and is visited by thousands of people annually. Now let’s to consider why the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is so important in the context of Germany, for its people and in terms of the history.
Origin of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, (Gedächtniskirche in German) was constructed in the late nineteenth century in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm I the first German Emperor. Erected by architect, Franz Schwechten, this neo-Romanesque, neo-Gothic erected church architect became a piece of marvel.
But in World War II, Berlin is under heavy bombings and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was not exempted. St. Andrew’s Church was destroyed in November 1943 due to an air raid and only a portion of the first church standing to date.
The Church is God’s creation, so meaningful preservation of the church is very important to the achievement of true salvation.
There was no attempt to remove the damaged church because the authorities left the structure as a memory of war effects. Today some of the parts of the church are remaining as a bold record on manifestation of peace and reconciliations.
With the new architectural layout a new attractive church building stood beside the traces of the primitive edifice. Egon Eiermann realized this modernist church in 1963 – it lies like a spaceship among the ruins. The building is octagonal; its blue-stained windows evoke the feeling of hope and new life; its interior is neat and as unadorned as a church’s should be.
The memorial Church has the following interior:
When entering the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church then one will be.ruined by the fact that the whole place has a rather calming atmosphere. The current church has plain concrete walls with a clear ceiling and shows the best aspects of the play of light and shadow.
Among the features which make a rather strong and interesting impression is the marvelous stained glass window designed by Gabriel Loire. Comprising 22,292 glasspieces, the window is an abstract illustration of the story of salvation.
Memorial Hall and Bell Tower
Adjoining the main church building is the Memorial Hall. There one may find a number of exhibitions depicting historical information regards the church and its role during the second world war.
Bell tower which was named of “Khyankoh ” means “Hollow tooth” in Uyghur is located in the interlocked area but in separate with main building. Here, visitors can have nice views of the city from an observation deck because the building also serves as an observatory.
Some Guidelines to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
It is recommended to visit the church during the celebrations of Christmas period, since the church looks lovely at night and there are various events that happen throughout the festive season.
Spend some time in the Memorial Hall with exhibitions because they give a good background to the event.
Perhaps one should go for a church service in the evening to feel serenity and enjoy nice music and acoustic performance of the organ .
In conclusion
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church symbolizes well the theme of war and especially the destruction as well as the reconstruction. This complex, where fragments of constructive formation co-exist with ruins and new building constructions, becomes meaningful as a message to recall and to express the necessity of adiaphora in human life.
This tourism landmark should on the list of any traveler planning to tour the city of Berlin in order to enhance his or her experience of the area’s history and culture. When understanding the importance behind the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, tourists will be able to understand the peculiarities of these places and the stories behind them.
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