Construction of St. John's Basilica began in 1894. It was conceived as a Catholic garrison church and built in the Rhenish Romanesque style. The solemn inauguration took place on May 8, 1897, in the presence of Emperor Wilhelm II. As early as 1906, the church was granted the honorary title of a Basilica minor by Pope Pius X. The basilica survived both World Wars relatively well, although during the Second World War, damage occurred to towers, a side nave, and the stained-glass windows. After the war, it served as an alternative venue for central services of the Diocese of Berlin. Since 2005, St. John's Basilica has been the bishop's church of the Catholic Military Bishop for the Bundeswehr. In 2021, it became a filial church of the Bernhard Lichtenberg parish and, since the closure of St. John Capistran Church, also serves the Polish-speaking community.
Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Berlin
The St. John's Basilica in Berlin is a significant Catholic house of worship, distinguished by its imposing Neo-Romanesque architecture. As the largest Catholic church in the city and the cathedral of the German Military Ordinariate, it holds a special position.
History+
Location+
St. John's Basilica is located in the German capital, Berlin, in the Neukölln district.
On site+
The church is a listed architectural and cultural monument in Berlin. It serves as a filial church and the cathedral of the German Military Ordinariate. Adjacent to the basilica is the Apostolic Nunciature, whose building was completed in 2001.
Nearby+
- Reich Aviation Ministry (Military Buildings, approx. 2881 m away)
- Ephraim Palace (Residence, approx. 3150 m away)
- Ribbeck House (Residence, approx. 3169 m away)
- Schwerin Palace (Residence, approx. 3171 m away)
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: Jörg Zägel / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 52.4875, 13.4086