Charlottenburg Palace, or Old Palace, is an 18th-century Baroque palace located in Berlin, Germany. It is the largest palace in the city and was once the residence of the Prussian royal family. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a must-see for anyone visiting Berlin.
History
The palace was built in 1695 by Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg, who later became King Frederick I of Prussia. The palace was originally named Sanssouci, meaning “carefree”. It was designed by Andreas Schlüter and included a huge garden and park.
The palace was later renamed Charlottenburg after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King Frederick William III of Prussia. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the palace was expanded and remodeled several times, most notably by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
Architecture
Charlottenburg Palace is an example of Baroque architecture, with its grand facades, intricate stucco decorations, and symmetrical layout. The palace has several wings, including the New Wing, the Old Wing, and the Garden Wing.
The New Wing, built in 1786, is the most prominent part of the palace. It features a large central hall, the Great Hall, which is decorated with marble, gilded stucco, and frescoes. The Old Wing, built in 1699, is the oldest part of the palace and features a number of stately rooms, such as the Mirror Cabinet, the Marble Gallery, and the Porcelain Cabinet. The Garden Wing, built in 1816, is the most recent addition to the palace and includes the White Hall, which was used for concerts and receptions.
Attractions
Charlottenburg Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Berlin and offers a variety of attractions, including the following:
- The Palace Garden: The palace garden is one of the most beautiful in Germany and is a popular spot for picnics and strolls. It features several statues, fountains, and a large lake.
- The Porcelain Collection: The Porcelain Collection is located in the Old Wing of the palace and features a large collection of porcelain from all over the world.
- The Picture Gallery: The Picture Gallery, located in the New Wing, features a collection of over 200 paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and van Dyck.
- The Mausoleum: The Mausoleum, located in the Garden Wing, is the final resting place of King Frederick William III and his wife, Queen Louise.
Events
Charlottenburg Palace hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, operas, and theatrical performances. The palace also hosts special events such as the annual Charlottenburg Palace Festival, which takes place in July and August and features music, dance, and other performances.
Getting There
Charlottenburg Palace is located in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin. It is easily accessible by public transport, with the U-Bahn (underground train) station Westend located just a few minutes’ walk away.