They are as much a part of Berlin’s cityscape as clubs are to its cultural scene: construction sites in and around Berlin are expanding again this year. It sometimes feels like it will take forever for the renovations in the city to be completed. This is also the case with the Hohenzollern Crypt beneath Berlin Cathedral. After more than ten years of planning and six years of construction, the wait is finally over. The Hohenzollern Crypt will reopen its doors on March 1.
Royal burial sites of a special family
The Hohenzollern crypt beneath Berlin Cathedral is considered Germany’s most important dynastic burial site and is one of the largest crypts in Europe. It houses 91 burials from five centuries of Brandenburg-Prussian history.
Among the better-known names buried here are princes and kings from the House of Hohenzollern and their families, who had a particular influence on the state and city of Berlin. These include King Frederick I, his wife Sophie Charlotte, and Queen Elisabeth Christine .
As befits such historically great names, their final resting places are also quite impressive. The sarcophagi are artistically decorated in various architectural styles and, in the new lighting, emerge almost majestically from the darkness. Interestingly, however, there are also some simple wooden coffins in between . Not every Hohenzollern wanted to be buried in splendor; some opted for Protestant modesty.
These innovations have been brought about by the renovation
The renovation cost around 29 million euros, which was significantly more expensive than planned. The money was used for various purposes: for example, the crypt is now barrier-free for the first time and has been technically upgraded. The damage from the Second World War has been completely repaired, with only a few areas still bearing traces of the war as historical memorials.
In a new exhibition room, you can watch short animated films and view an interactive model of the crypt, which not only bring you closer to the history of the Hohenzollern family , but also explain the entire burial site in more detail. When visiting the crypt, it is best to use an audio guide, which you can obtain at the entrance to the cathedral. Further information can be found on the Berlin Cathedral website.
Despite its imperial splendor , the Hohenzollern Crypt beneath Berlin Cathedral is a place of silence and transience that brings to life the rise and fall of one of Europe’s most powerful ruling dynasties .