Emperor William II ordered the building to be constructed with massive, opulent proportions explicitly to serve as a grand, theatrical show of power for the ruling Hohenzollern dynasty.
The original outer dome reached a height of 114 meters (374 feet) when the cathedral was completed in 1905.
Following the severe damage sustained during World War II, the dome was rebuilt and simplified by the East German government.
During this post-war restoration, the highly ornate lantern tower and crowning cupolas were altered or removed, which reduced the overall height of the dome to its current 98 meters (322 feet).
The East German authorities opted not to replace the highly ornamental, towering lantern and large cross that previously sat atop the dom.
Today, visitors can climb 270 steps up to the outer dome walkway, which provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from a height of 50 meters (164 feet).