What you are looking at is the St. Michael's Church in Berlin, an imposing structure that might seem a little unusual given its urban surroundings. This Neo-Romanesque basilica, consecrated in 1861, stands out not just for its distinctive copper dome, but also for its fascinating history. It's dedicated to the Archangel Michael, a significant figure in Christianity, as well as in Judaism and Islam, often depicted as a warrior or protector. One particularly striking feature visible is the large circular opening above the main entrance, which is an unfinished rose window. The church was originally designed to have two towers, but due to financial constraints, only one was ever completed. This led to a rather unique and asymmetrical façade. The dome itself, added in 1893, reaches a height of 55 meters and is crowned with a statue of the Archangel Michael. Beyond the brick facade, however, St. Michael's has seen its share of challenges. It was heavily damaged during World War II, specifically in 1943 and 1945, when much of central Berlin was devastated by Allied bombing. After the war, the church fell within East Berlin, and despite being a historic landmark, it took many decades for comprehensive reconstruction efforts to begin. This explains why you might see some visible signs of wear and tear, or differences in the architectural details that hint at restoration work. In the foreground, nestled in the park that fronts the church, is a modern sculpture that creates a striking contrast with the historic building behind it. This sculpture appears to depict a seated figure, possibly a Buddha, atop several stacked, layered forms, which might be an interpretation of a stupa or a pagoda. The presence of such a piece in front of a major Christian church on Legiendamm is an interesting artistic and cultural juxtaposition, reflecting Berlin's diverse and often eclectic public art scene. It highlights a blend of different spiritual and aesthetic traditions within a historical urban landscape. Behind the statue and the church, you can just make out a cafe with the German sign "Café am Engelbecken." This translates to "Cafe at the Angel Basin," referring to the picturesque pond and green space known as the Engelbecken, which means "Angel Basin" or "Angel's Pool." This basin, originally a part of the Luisenstädtischer Kanal that connected the Spree and Landwehr Canal, was turned into a park after the canal was filled in during the early 20th century. Today, it offers a peaceful urban oasis, and the cafe provides a pleasant spot to enjoy the view of both the church and the park.