Once the most important residence for German royalty, Charlottenburg Palace is a lavish, 17th-century estate and the largest palace in Berlin. It is renowned for its opulent baroque and rococo interiors that include a 50-meter-high central dome, as well as a stunning formal garden surrounded by woodlands.
It was the wife of Friedrich III, Sophie Charlotte, who originally commissioned the palace and it was designed by architect Johann Arnold Nering. After it was inaugurated in 1699, the palace was greatly expanded during the 18th century, with royal architect Johann Friedrich von Eosander sent to France to study the Palace of Versailles. After Sophie Charlotte died in 1705, Friedrich renamed the palace and the surrounding estate “Charlottenburg” in her memory.
Visitors are now invited to tour the property, including the New Wing’s State Apartments and magnificent Banqueting Halls, with period furnishings and important artworks adorning the rooms. The State Dining Room is of particular note, with a 42-meter-long Golden Gallery.
The grounds of Charlottenburg include the beautiful Orangery that was added in 1712 (and now houses a restaurant and cafe) and the Neapolitan Neue Pavilion, which features arts and crafts dating from the 18th century. A statue of Frederick William of Brandenburg dominates the Grand Courtyard while the Mausoleum contains the royal tombs of Frederick Wilhelm III of Prussia, Wilhelm I and his wife Augusta. Don’t miss a visit to the Belvedere Teahouse, which contains an outstanding collection of Berlin porcelain and some of Germany’s most prized ceramics.