Berlin Cathedral Reopens Crypt, Showcasing 100 Coffins of European Royal Power Culture

The Hohenzollern family, a significant ruling dynasty in German history originating in the Middle Ages, later became electors of Brandenburg and were elevated to the Kingdom of Prussia in the 18th century. With the rise of nation-states in the 19th century, the Hohenzollern family became representatives of the German Empire's royalty, their influence extending until the eve of the monarchy's end after World War I. The Hohenzollern burial chamber beneath Berlin Cathedral houses nearly a hundred coffins of royal family members, spanning from the 16th to the early 20th century, making it one of Germany's largest dynastic tombs. In the past, European royal power was inseparable from religion, and grand royal coffins were often placed in visible public locations like churches. The photo shows the coffin of Frederick I, the first King of Prussia, placed in the Berlin Cathedral's worship area. (Photo by Lin Shang-ying, Central News Agency, Berlin, April 7, 115) The crypt suffered severe damage during World War II, with some coffins destroyed and remains disarranged. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to groundwater and humidity caused some coffins to decay, with skeletal remains exposed in some cases. The identities of some royal members remain unconfirmed, increasing the difficulty of restoration and research. The six-year renovation project cost approximately 29.5 million Euros (about 1 billion NT dollars), jointly funded by the German federal government, the city of Berlin, and the church. In addition to modernizing the climate control system and improving accessibility, the project also rearranged nearly a hundred sarcophagi, restoring the display to its original appearance when the Berlin Cathedral was completed in 1905. The dynastic tomb, reopened in March, welcomed a surge of visitors during the Easter holiday. Tourists admired the tombs of successive Hohenzollern rulers beneath the cathedral. The coffins vary in form, from simple wooden ones to elaborately carved and gilded 'Prunksarkophage' (ornate sarcophagi), reflecting the evolution of coffin materials and the funeral culture of different eras. 'Prunksarkophage' are a unique form in European royal culture, referring to highly decorative royal stone coffins used not only for burial but also to display royal power, typically placed in public spaces like churches. The 'Prunksarkophage' of Frederick I, the first King of Prussia, and his wife, are specially placed in the first-floor area of Berlin Cathedral. The coffin is adorned with Baroque-style griffins, crowns, and scepters, symbols of royal power, attracting many visitors to take photos. The photo shows the ornate coffin of Frederick I, the first King of Prussia, displayed in Berlin Cathedral, decorated with elements like crowns, human figures, and emblems, symbolizing his ruling power and status. Such coffins were not only for burial but also served to display royal power. (Photo by Lin Shang-ying, Central News Agency, Berlin, April 7, 115) Follow CNA via Google News. Smaller children's coffins are also visible within the crypt. Museum officials explained that these reflect the historical reality of high infant mortality rates even among royalty. The juxtaposition of ornate and children's coffins allows visitors to see the fragility of life beyond royal power. According to official data, the Hohenzollern crypt attracted over 700,000 visitors annually before renovation, making it a major tourist attraction in Berlin. With its reopening and added guided commentary, the museum expects to once again draw large crowds, positioning the Hohenzollern crypt not just as a burial site for royalty but also as an important venue for understanding German history and funeral culture. (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150407