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St. Hedwig's Cathedral

The Catholic St. Hedwig's Cathedral on Bebelplatz in Berlin-Mitte was the second building of the planned Forum Fridericianum. Today it is the episcopal church of the diocese of Berlin and a popular sight on Bebelplatz.

In the middle of the 18th century, St. Hedwig's Cathedral was built on Bebelplatz. Like Bebelplatz itself, the Catholic church building was part of the Forum Fridericianum, which was commissioned by Frederick II. The foundation stone for the baroque church, designed by Georg Wenzeslaus, was laid in 1747. Construction was protracted due to a lack of funds and the Seven Years' War, so that the consecration of St. Hedwig's Cathedral did not take place until November 1773.

Restoration of St. Hedwig's Cathedral after World War II

During the Second World War, St. Hedwig's Cathedral was almost completely destroyed. It took many years to rebuild - the church was only restored in 1963. During the reconstruction work, the interior was redesigned, including the integration of eight chapels in the lower church. An organ was also installed.

Controversial: Redesign of St. Hedwig's Cathedral

From May 2020 to the end of November 2024, the cathedral in the center of Berlin was extensively renovated. In addition to important renovation work, the lower church area was also redesigned. One of the most striking new features is the placement of the altar in the middle of the church interior. The redesign of St. Hedwig's Cathedral is not without controversy and has led to strong protests.

In the immediate vicinity of the church, the former rectory of St. Hedwig's and residence of the Berlin bishops, the Bernhard Lichtenberg House, invites people to meet and exchange ideas. There is a café and a bookshop on the first floor.