Gethsemanekirche

Gethsemanekirche stands as both a striking Neo-Gothic church and a landmark of recent German history. Its tall brick façade and pointed arches reflect 19th-century design, while its story reaches deep into the late years of the GDR.

A gathering place for dissent

In the final phase of the East German regime, the church became a meeting point for one of the leading opposition movements. People gathered here for peace prayers, vigils, and open discussions when few public spaces allowed free speech. The building offered shelter and visibility, and the events inside helped shape the peaceful momentum that led to change in 1989.

Ecumenical milestone

Gethsemanekirche is also remembered for a unique moment in church life. In 2003, it hosted an ecumenical Lord’s Supper shared by Protestants and Catholics together. This joint celebration, unusual in its time, symbolized a step toward unity between Christian traditions.