Gedächtniskirche

The major attraction in what was West Berlin is this stark reminder of World War II's destruction. Kept as an open wound, the severe acknowledgement of German culpability is declared on a plaque near the entrance of the old bell tower: 'The tower of the old church serves as a remembrance of God's judgment, which befell our people during the war years.' Berliners hold little sacred and call the destroyed tower the hollow tooth. The erection of the once enormous church dedicated to the German emperor had been a feat of national pride: even synagogues contributed to its funding, and it was first opened in 1895. Inside is a gilded mosaic of the Hohenzollern dynasty. The modern chapel and tower next door were completed in 1961, and are worth entering on sunny days for the amazing blue stained glass windows.