Charlottenburg Palace
Berlin
Charlottenburg Palace is a grand Baroque palace located in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin, renowned as one of the largest palaces worldwide. Originally commissioned in 1695 by Sophie Charlotte, wife of Elector Frederick III, the palace began as a single-wing summer residence named Lietzenburg. It was designed by Johann Arnold Nering and completed by Martin GrĂĽnberg and Andreas SchlĂĽter. Over the 18th century, notably under Frederick I and Frederick the Great, the palace expanded significantly, incorporating side wings and a large domed tower, inspired by the Palace of Versailles. The interiors showcase exquisite Baroque and Rococo decorations, including frescoes by Jan Anthonie Coxie and once housed the famous Amber Room, a room adorned with amber panels gifted to Tsar Peter the Great. The palace grounds feature formal gardens, an orangery originally used for overwintering rare plants, a belvedere, a mausoleum, a theatre, and a pavilion. Severely damaged during World War II, the palace has been meticulously restored and today functions as a museum attracting numerous visitors. It offers a glimpse into Prussian royal life and architectural grandeur, making it a cultural highlight of Berlin.
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Tip: The best time to visit Charlottenburg Palace is from April to October when the palace and gardens are fully accessible. Tickets can be purchased online or at the palace, with options for combined tickets granting access to all palaces in the Charlottenburg gardens. Guided tours are available regularly in German and English. Visitors with mobility needs should note the palace is partially wheelchair accessible, and strollers are not permitted inside exhibition rooms. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to secure preferred entry times and take advantage of available discounts for families and groups.
Interesting facts
- •Charlottenburg Palace is among the largest palaces in the world and the most significant palace complex in Berlin.
- •The palace once housed the original Amber Room, famed as the 'eighth wonder of the world', which was gifted to Tsar Peter the Great in 1716.
- •The palace gardens combine French Baroque style and later English landscape garden designs by Siméon Godeau and Peter Joseph Lenné.
- •The gilded statue of Fortuna atop the palace dome is a notable symbol designed by Andreas Heidt.
- •The palace was known as 'Sophie Charlotte's Musenhof' due to her love of opera and music, with a dedicated theatre on site.
History
Charlottenburg Palace was commissioned in 1695 by Sophie Charlotte as a summer residence near Berlin, originally called Lietzenburg.
Construction began under Johann Arnold Nering and was finalized by Martin GrĂĽnberg and Andreas SchlĂĽter, with inauguration in 1699.
After Frederick III became King in Prussia in 1701, architect Johann Friedrich von Eosander expanded the palace inspired by Versailles, adding wings and a domed tower.
The palace was renamed Charlottenburg after Sophie Charlotte's death in 1705.
Over the 18th century, it served as a royal residence and was embellished with Baroque and Rococo art.
The famous Amber Room was initially created here before being gifted to Russia.
The palace was heavily damaged in World War II but has been faithfully restored since then, preserving its historic grandeur.
Place Guide
The Old Palace (Altes Schloss)1695-1699
The original core of Charlottenburg Palace, featuring Baroque architecture with a central cupola and lavish interiors decorated with frescoes by Jan Anthonie Coxie.
The Great Orangery1709-1712
A Baroque orangery built between 1709 and 1712 on the west side of the palace, originally used to overwinter rare citrus trees and host court festivities during summer.
The Palace GardensFrom 1697 onwards
Formal gardens laid out in French Baroque style by Siméon Godeau from 1697 and later transformed into an English landscape garden by Peter Joseph Lenné after 1819, featuring a belvedere, mausoleum, theatre, and pavilion.
Contact
Phone: 030 320910
