Breitscheidplatz

Breitscheidplatz is a public square in Berlin, Germany, located in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district at the western end of the Kurfürstendamm shopping avenue. The Platz adjoins the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, one of Berlin’s best-known landmarks, whose ruined spire serves as a memorial while a modern church building sits beside it. The square and surrounding area form part of the City West district, a major commercial and cultural hub.

Historically, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was built in the late 19th century and sustained heavy damage in World War II. After the war, the ruined tower was preserved as a memorial, and a new church building was added nearby in the 1950s–1960s, designed by Egon Eiermann. Breitscheidplatz developed as a transport and traffic junction around the church, with postwar urban planning shaping its current open and pedestrian-friendly character.

On 19 December 2016, Breitscheidplatz was the site of a terrorist attack when a truck plowed into a Christmas market on the plaza area, resulting in multiple deaths and many injuries. The attack prompted widespread security measures and discussions about urban safety in Germany.

Today, Breitscheidplatz remains a busy urban space at the heart of Berlin’s western city center. It is a focal point for tourism, shopping, and transit, with the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church continuing to attract visitors while the surrounding streets host hotels, shops, and restaurants. The square is accessible by various public transport options and remains a symbol of Berlin’s layered history.