The most magnificent palace in Berlin
Actually, it was just meant to be a small garden castle for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elec-tor Friedrich III. And this is the reason why the core of the structure, which was inaugurated in 1699 and which bore the name of Lützenburg Palace, was not particularly large. But then Friedrich was crowned King of Prussia and, accordingly, Sophia Charlotte became a queen.
And thus it was not too long before the ever-increasing expansion of the palace, which was modelled after Versailles, began. In the course of about 100 years worth of construction, which involved the extensive participation of such architects as Eosander von Goethe, Georg Wenceslaus von Knobelsdorff and Carl Langhans, there thus arose the most magnificent palace in Berlin: a domed tower, east and west wings, the Great Orangery and Palace Theatre. Ever since the death of Sophie Charlotte in 1705, it has been called Charlottenburg.
During World War II, the palace was severely damaged and the reconstruction work lasted two decades. Today it is an impressive ensemble of rooms and halls and is home to world-class art collections.
The garden
The palace’s garden was originally created as a French baroque garden and was later modified by the gardener Johann August Eyserbeck into an English style garden. Here, in addition to other buildings, can be found the former Belvedere teahouse built by Langhans and the mau-soleum designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel containing the tombs of Queen Luise and Friedrich Wilhelm III..
Tour with the chamber maid
The former residence of Hohenzollern (kings of Prussia and German Kaisers) has a lot to offer for a family outing. For example, you can take one of the Sunday tours offered by chamber maid Sophie year-round (except July and August), who likes to share some insider secrets about life in the court. She'll let you know about the vanities of King Frederick I, but also give some inside scoop about his irascible son. The tour is especially suited for children ages 6–10.
Afterwards, your little prince or princess can take a stroll through the manicured, geometrical baroque structures in the front of the palace gardens or head out back to the naturally landscaped park, a large playground and lawns, ponds and ditches and a playground for movement and invites relaxation.
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Address
Spandauer Damm 20-24
14059 Berlin CHARLOTTENBURG
