Berlin's St. Hedwig's Cathedral Reopens After Six-Year Renovation

The historic church, central to Berlin's Catholic community, unveils a controversial redesign costing €44.2 million.

St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the most important Catholic church in Berlin, reopened after a six-year closure for extensive renovations.
The redesign included relocating the altar to the church's center and closing a central floor opening, sparking debates among parishioners and beyond.
The €44.2 million project was led by architect Peter Sichau and artist Leo Zogmayer, with the new altar consecrated in 2023.
Dignitaries including Berlin's Archbishop Heiner Koch, former Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki, and local political leaders attended the reopening ceremony.
The cathedral aims to serve as a welcoming space for believers, non-believers, and those seeking reflection or rest in the heart of Berlin.