Doesn’t the name St. Johannis II sound like a sequel? This church in Berlin shares its name with John the Baptist. But its story is unique. Let’s uncover it together.
St. Johannis II stands as a testament to faith and history. It is a landmark that has witnessed Berlin’s evolution. Though overshadowed by larger, more famous churches, St. Johannis II holds its own charm and significance.
Originally, St. Johannis was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. He envisioned a simple suburban church. Other Schinkel-designed churches include Alte Nazarethkirche, St. Paul-Kirche and Elisabeth-Kirche. It was a hall church with a rectangular layout and a semicircular apse. The building was brick, with no tower or portico. A flight of steps led up to the entrance.
Later, Friedrich August Stüler expanded St. Johannis. King Friedrich Wilhelm IV wanted the expansion. Stüler added a tower behind the arcades. The King himself sketched modifications. He desired open arcades and a tower set back from the street. These changes gave St. Johannis an Italian appearance.
Around 1895, Max Spitta again enlarged the church. Spitta moved the apse further north. He added side apses and a transept. This expansion reflected the Wilhelminian era.
During World War II, St. Johannis suffered severe damage. An air raid in 1943 destroyed the interior. However, the tower and Stüler’s additions remained mostly intact.
From 1952 to 1957, the church was rebuilt. Werry Roth and Otto Bartning led the reconstruction. Bartning aimed to restore the church in Schinkel’s spirit. The design became simpler. The altar area was shortened and elevated.
In 1963, a new community center opened. Hans-Christian Müller and Georg Heinrichs designed it. The center’s dark clinker facade echoed Schinkel’s simplicity.
Inside St. Johannis, you’ll find a unique Triumphkreuzgruppe. It is a Gothic carving from the 15th century. The figures include Mary, John the Baptist and the crucified Christ.
Originally from the Franziskaner-Klosterkirche, the group found a new home here after the war. The figures now stand on the altar. The altar once held a Predella from Danzig’s Marienkirche. In 2020, it was returned to its original location as a sign of understanding.
Four wooden carvings now adorn the walls. They symbolize the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The open roof structure adds to the church’s spacious feel. Schinkel designed the original ceiling with stars on a blue background. Bartning’s reconstruction simplified the design.
Today, St. Johannis II stands as a symbol of resilience. It represents the blend of architectural styles. It is a testament to Berlin’s enduring spirit. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history. Consider the faith that rebuilt this sacred space. Let the story of St. Johannis II inspire you.