In the centre of Berlin’s City West, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church stands as both a memorial and a living place. The ruins of the tower destroyed in the Second World War and the modern new church building together form a unique ensemble that reflects Berlin’s history like almost no other building.

This story deserves to be heard: haunting, moving and immediate. This is now possible with the new audio guide. In 19 carefully designed chapters, the guide leads visitors through the ensemble and tells of the eventful past, the extraordinary architecture and the current significance of this unique place in the centre of Berlin.

Multiple layers of history

The original church was built at the end of the 19th century in honour of Kaiser Wilhelm I. It was badly damaged in an air raid in 1943 and only the destroyed tower remained from the original building. In the 1950s, a conscious decision was made not to rebuild it in the old style. Instead, the ruins were to remain as a memorial against war and destruction. Between 1959 and 1963, it was supplemented by a modern church building designed by architect Egon Eiermann.

The interplay of old and new characterises the appearance of the Memorial Church today. The new church, consisting of an octagonal nave and free-standing bell tower, is characterised by a special light: thousands of blue glass blocks create an almost meditative atmosphere inside. Today, the Memorial Church is not only a place of faith, but also a place of silence, remembrance and encounter and, with over one million visitors a year, is one of the most visited sights in Berlin.

Today, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church symbolises the way history is dealt with. As a deliberately unrestored war ruin, it is a reminder of the destruction of the city and at the same time symbolises peace and reconciliation. Its presence in the centre of Berlin’s everyday life makes it a place that connects the past and present in a special way.

Listen to the history of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – with the new Hearonymus audio guide

The new audio guide offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. In 19 chapters, listeners can learn all about the church ensemble, the memorial hall in the Old Tower and the new church.

The free Hearonymus app and the audio guide (€ 8.99) can be downloaded to your smartphone in just a few clicks. Once downloaded, the guide can be listened to indefinitely and without an internet connection. Whether at home or directly on site. The audio guide can be listened to anywhere, as often as you like.

Article image & banner: Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church