© dpa
After around two years of renovation, the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin-Mitte is reopening this week.
14,000 square meters of paving were renewed while retaining the existing grid, according to a statement from the environmental administration.
Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), among others, is expected to attend the reopening on Thursday. Construction work began in October 2022. The main construction work was completed at the end of 2024. In addition to an underground, around five-kilometre-long network of pipes for electricity, drinking water and wastewater, the historic square was equipped with a rainwater management system. Rainwater is pre-cleaned and stored in underground technical systems.
The Gendarmenmarkt is now also completely barrier-free. The square between the German Cathedral, Konzerthaus and French Cathedral is a popular place for cultural events and strolling among Berliners and tourists. After a two-year break, the Classic Open Air is to be held there again this summer.