Charlottenburg Palace
In the western part of Berlin, a bit away from the center, is the clearest example of German Baroque architecture - a magnificent Charlottenburg Palace. For several centuries it was the summer residence of the royal Hohenzollern dynasty.
The palace was built in the late 17th century on the initiative of the wife of Frederick I, Sophia Charlotte. While he looked quite modest and was outside the city, in a small village Lietz. Hence its name went first - Littsenburg. Then, after the sudden death of his beloved wife of King Frederick I renamed palace in her honor. Charlottenburg rebuilt several times and changed his appearance with additional outbuildings. It was only in the mid 18th century it acquired its final form with greenhouses, spacious halls, wing, theater and high central dome, decorated with a statue of the goddess of fortune.
Charlottenburg decoration is rich and fascinating. From fine furniture and decor, gorgeous paintings, tapestries and gilded walls of the visitors breathtaking. Tourist access to many rooms of the palace, particularly oak and gold gallery, apartments queens, which represent the diamond jewelry to Sophia Charlotte, as well as guest rooms and reception rooms of the king.
Deserves special attention and gardens landscaped behind the palace. As Charlottenburg, he repeatedly changed styles. During the life of Queen Sophia Charlotte, he was decorated in the best traditions of palace parks in France. Then it completely redesigned. The palace dug lake, put gazebos, sculptures and poured a small hill. And today it looks more like a park area Italian villas.
Visit Charlottenburg from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and 10:00 to 17:00 - in the winter. Day off - Monday. Cashiers located at the entrance to the palace, a ticket costs about 12 euros. Permission to take photos must be purchased separately. And here you can enjoy the park for free.
To the side of the palace buses number 109 and M45. You can also use the metro line U7, the stop is called «Richard-Wagner-Platz», from her need to walk 10-15 minutes, focusing on the gilded statue of the goddess of fortune, which is visible from afar.