The Huguenot Beginning
The story of Gendarmenmarkt begins in the late 17th century when the Elector of Brandenburg, Friedrich Wilhelm, invited Huguenots to Brandenburg and Berlin. Fleeing religious persecution in France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, these Protestant refugees sought a safe haven, which they found. Friedrich Wilhelm saw this as an opportunity to help the economy and enrich the cultural tapestry after the devastating 30 Year's War.
In Berlin - where the population was now boosted by a third - there was no place for the rather large population to live yet. The city got to work and a new neighborhood began in 1688 called Friedrichstadt - unsurprisingly Friedrichstrasse was also located here. Because it was developed quickly a simple grided format was decided and it is here where the development of Gendarmenmarkt began. Originally it was called Linden-Markt, and later Friedrichstädtischer Markt and by 1708 had two churches flanking its sides, the so-called French Church (north) and German Church (south).
Berlin early 18th century plans; Friedrichstadt is the grided space to the left with Gendarnmenmarkt bordering the city walls
Architectural Shaping of Gendarmenmarkt
The transformation of Gendarmenmarkt into the square we recognize today began in earnest in the mid-18th century with support from Fredrick I. King of Prussia - i.e. Frederick the Great. Though architect Johann Arnold Nering was the first to leave his mark, designing the initial layout of the square it would be Georg Christian Unger and Karl von Gontard who truly elevated its design.
Georg Christian Unger: Unger, a prominent Prussian architect, contributed significantly to the square's design and came from the Huguenot community - though from southern Germany. He was originally commissioned for the development of both churches to have identical domes added, but after the German Church's dome collapsed in 1781, he was removed.
Karl von Gontard: Following in Unger's footsteps, Karl von Gontard was commissioned by Frederickk the Great. In 1785, he completed the work much as we can see today creating the harmonious symmetry that Gendarmenmarkt is famous for.
Before the turn into the 19th century the square would received in the center a theater called the Nationaltheater lending to Gendarmenmarkt becoming a cultural hub of Berlin. The name too would finally come into our contemporary use when in 1799 it was named Gendarmenmarkt in memory of the stables of the Gens d'armes cuirassier regiment, which the "Soldier King" Friedrich Wilhelm I had built here in 1736.
Come the 19th century another iconic structure was added to Gendarmenmarkt—the Schauspielhaus (Playhouse), designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Built between 1818 and 1821, this magnificent building replaced the Nationaltheater, which had been destroyed by a fire. Schinkel's Schauspielhaus, with its neoclassical style and grand columns, became a central cultural venue in Berlin.
Gendarmenmarkt early-19th century; Wikipedia
Modern Gendarmenmarkt
The 20th century brought both destruction and renewal to Gendarmenmarkt. During World War II, the square and its buildings suffered significant damage. The post-war period saw extensive reconstruction efforts to restore Gendarmenmarkt to its former glory.
Französischer Dom: The French Cathedral was meticulously restored, and today it houses a Huguenot museum that tells the story of the Huguenot refugees and their impact on Berlin.
Deutscher Dom: The German Cathedral was also rebuilt and now serves as a museum focused on German parliamentary history.
Konzerthaus Berlin: The Schauspielhaus, after being heavily damaged, was restored and renamed the Konzerthaus Berlin. It continues to be a premier venue for concerts and cultural events.
1951 Gendarmenmarkt; Wikipedia
Today, Gendarmenmarkt stands as one of Berlin's most beautiful squares well known less for its Huguenot beginnings and more for the yearly Christmas Market, live performances, and massive renovations taking place until 2025.
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