Charlottenburg Castle is a majestic landmark located in the western part of the city of Berlin, Germany. Despite its impressive size, the structure survived the Second World War, although it suffered minor damage. In a short time, the building was completely restored according to the surviving drawings. Charlottenburg Castle in Berlin is not a stand-alone palace, but a whole complex called Schloss Charlottenburg - Charlottenburg. The once imperial residence was able to convey its power to the present day. To admire the beauty of the castle, millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year.
History of Charlottenburg castle
The idea of erecting a luxurious building belongs to the Elector of Brandenburg Frederick III, who wanted to present the castle to his beloved wife Sophia Charlotte. Construction began in 1695 and lasted over 4 years until 1699.
Initially, it was supposed to be a small summer residence, but in the course of work, the project changed to a large building and an impressive size of the park, since Frederick ascended the throne and decided to expand in order to further please his beloved wife.
At first the castle was called Lützenburg - Ladenburg.
After the death of Sophia Charlotte in 1705, Frederick, in memory of her and her boundless love for this place, came to the conclusion that the castle needed to be improved as much as possible, as well as the name changed in honor of his deceased wife.
After the death of Frederick, the luxurious castle with rich interiors began to fade, like a flower not watered by anyone. This continued until Frederick II the Great, grandson of Sophia Charlotte, ascended the throne. He took up the ennobling of the territory, the palace began to flourish again.
During the reign of Frederick II the Great, the world famous white greenhouse appeared next to the castle. The guise in which Charlottenburg resides today, he received during the power of this king, since then the castle and its halls have not been modified.
Charlottenburg castle values
The main building of the castle is made in an amazing Versailles style. In the west and left wings there were residential wings, and in the central part there were the king's chambers and luxurious reception halls, as well as a chapel.
When exploring the sights of the castle, you should pay attention to its central entrance, over which a dome of impressive size rises, and even higher - the majestic statue of Fortune.
In the western part of Charlottenburg, there is a porcelain room and a greenhouse, where a variety of special events are held. For a reasonable fee, these premises can be rented for personal use.
The eastern part of the castle is reserved for an Italian-style pavilion. It was built by the famous architect Schinkel. Guided tours are organized in this room so that visitors can admire the collection of beautiful works of famous artists of the 18th century. Moreover, each exposition in the castle is also decorated with paintings by these masters.
Nearby attractions
On the territory of the Charlottenburg castle there is a museum complex, and in its vicinity there is an amazing park with a monument to Friedrich Wilhelm I, made of bronze by the sculptor Andreus Schlüter at the beginning of the 18th century.
The park has undergone many changes, but it has always been inimitable. At first, the territory was landscaped in the French style, but then the British landscape fashion swept over Europe, and the park was transformed.
The designers set a goal to make the visitors feel like in an ancient Italian villa. For this, a lot of work was carried out, including small ponds equipped, slides with green grass and grottoes, where you can retire from the hustle and bustle and stay in a quiet, calm place.
Excursion program
There are many interesting rooms in the palace, but most often excursions are held in the following halls:
- The Red Hall, where massive crystal chandeliers and expensive dishes are located. The interior is decorated in red and gold colors.
- The oak hall, made more restrained, has a lot of natural wood in dark brown shades in the design. The hall is decorated with several small paintings and massive chandeliers in the form of candlesticks.
- The hall of mirrors is a rich room, on the floor of which there is a natural wooden parquet with gilding. The room is furnished with period furniture and many mirrors.
- The Trellis Room is an amazing space with vaulted ceilings, additionally decorated with sculptures and paintings, as well as huge paintings and stunning canopies. It is this hall that is rightfully considered the most beautiful and sophisticated in the palace.
- A porcelain study that once belonged to Sophia Charlotte, a room where the furnishings are decorated with dishes made of the finest porcelain. The walls and corners of the room are decorated with the same material.
For an additional fee, the Mausoleum and the Belvedere with the Berlin Porcelain Museum and the apartments of Frederick the Great can be visited on the grounds of Charlottenburg Castle.
Opening hours and cost of entrance tickets
Charlottenburg Castle is open for visits every day throughout the year, except Mondays. Also in the course the residence is closed on December 24 and 25 for Catholic Christmas.
Opening hours depend on the season: from April to October, visits are possible from 10.00 to 18.00, and from November to March - from 10.00 to 17.00.
To admire the beauty of the Old Wing, you need to pay 12 euros for an adult and 8 euros for a reduced ticket. There is a fee of € 6 for an adult and € 5 at a reduced rate to visit the outbuilding.
Those who wish to take a photo as a souvenir can additionally purchase a permission to take photos without using a flash. The cost of this service is 3 euros.
You can walk in the park and the surrounding area of Charlottenburg Castle free of charge.
How to get to Charlottenburg castle on your own
Although Charlottenburg Castle is located not in the center of Berlin, but in its surroundings, it will not be difficult to get to it. Both city ground transport and metro, as well as sightseeing buses go to the attraction.
To reach the castle by underground, take the U7 underground line to the Richard-Wagner-Platz stop. After that, you can go two bus stops or walk for 10 minutes. Landmark - a golden statue of the goddess Fortune, towering on the dome.
Buses run to Charlottenburg under number 45, the route of which starts from Spandau - Spandau, or number 109, starting from the Zoologischer Garten - Zoological Garden.
The exact address of Charlottenburg Castle is Spandauer Damm 10-22, Berlin.
Conclusion
If you are in or around Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace is a cultural attraction that deserves a visit. The castle has many beautiful rooms, decorated with exquisite objects made of the finest porcelain and many paintings by famous artists of the 18th century. The halls with natural wood floors and majestic crystal chandeliers will not leave anyone indifferent.
On the territory of the Charlottenburg castle there is a huge and luxurious park, where you are allowed to walk absolutely free of charge, which makes it possible to imagine yourself in the beautiful era of the Kingdom of Prussia.
