Early Settlement
Under the guidance of Insider Tour guide extraordinaire, Dr. Jamie Sewell, we took a fresh look at Berlin’s early years. Jamie is an archaeologist who has worked on the most prominent Berlin excavations since the 1990s. We learned how dendrochronology and C14 dating methods have shown that the area that is now Berlin was inhabited as early as 700 A.D.
Holy Ghost Kapelle
Where there is a river, there is a way of making money. Taxes were charged for passage, and soon the settlement grew to a considerable size for that time. We gained access to the interior of the Holy Ghost Kapelle, which is said to have the only remaining intact medieval roof/ceiling structure in Berlin!
St. Marien Church
At the St. Marien Church Jamie explained to us how, at the time of its construction around 1292, this was the highest point in Berlin! It has been through the mill with wars, fires, lightning strikes, and almost continual rebuilding and extension. It is open to the public.
Berlin Town Hall
An excavation there in the 1990s uncovered some artworks deemed 'degenerate' by the Nazis. Behind this town hall are the ruins of the old town hall, where excavations revealed the strange case of a samurai sword found there.
The Nickolai Church
The Nikolaikirche (Nikolaikirche Church) is made in part from granite stones moved to Berlin from Sweden by glaciers during the Ice Age. It is the centerpiece of the Nikolaiviertel, a beautiful reconstruction of old Berlin. The area has a village-like feel, with cobblestone streets, charming shops, and very traditional restaurants.
PETRI Berlin
We were treated to a sneak peek inside PETRI Berlin, a purpose-built center showcasing Berlin’s archaeological journey. Built on the site of the former St. Petri Church, its glass floor and cellar walk-through of those very foundations truly give one the feeling of walking through times past. Jamie and his fellow archaeologist partner, Claudia, were instrumental in the excavation of this site in the 1990s and 2000s. It is due to open in August 2025.
Layers upon Layers
Not only did we gain valuable insight into the origins of Berlin, but we also experienced the thrill of archaeology—uncovering new material to complete or disprove any given theory. We heard about those Eureka moments when historical stories get pieced together through hard-sought or even lucky finds. We had a brilliant time—half a day wasn’t enough!
