Hitler's Bunker, Berlin

            For the final post made in preparation for my CETS trip this summer, my professor has asked that I write a post about how a specific location is remembered and commemorated in Central Europe. Specifically, my professor wants me to look at whether the site I select is an example of sanctification, designation, rectification, or obliteration.  I have decided to examine the site where Adolf Hitler committed suicide in Berlin.

            In 2006, the location of the bunker in which Hitler lived during his last days was marked with a sign for the first time, (Associated Press, 2006). The death site of one of the most feared and hated men in the twentieth century was left completely unrecognized for 61 years. This underground bunker was the location where Hitler and his wife of two days, Eva Braun, committed suicide on April 30, 1945 in response to the destruction of Berlin and incoming Soviet soldiers, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). Soviet troops destroyed most of the bunker when they uncovered it, and later the remaining portions were filled with rubble in order to make it inaccessible to anyone. In the 1980s, the area was repaved to create a parking lot, (Associated Press, 2006). Currently, the ruins of Hitler’s bunker are covered by a parking lot, a playground, and an apartment building, (Associated Press, 2006). This site, considered important by many for its historical significance, was not preserved or remembered in any way until 2006.

Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun

            The location of Hitler’s bunker is an example of obliteration. The important event that occurred there was covered up and essentially removed from public thought. The site was then transformed for an entirely different use. It was not until 2006 that any form of designation was given to this site. The designation came in the form of a sign, both in German and English, which described the site and gave a map of the bunker network, (Associated Press, 2006). There are many reasons for the obliteration of this location. The primary reasons given are its proximity to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the idea of any form of commemoration of Hitler making people uncomfortable. Another fear was that having any type of identifying markers at this location would make the site a popular location for Neo-Nazi groups, (Associated Press, 2006). Ultimately, simply having a sign to describe the history of this location seems appropriate. The site is symbolic of many of the atrocities committed by Hitler and the Nazis, and preserving this location could be perceived as a commemoration of the Nazis themselves, not the victims of their policies.

References:

Associated Press. (June 8, 2006). New Marker in Berlin identifies location of Hitler’s bunker. Retrieved from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-06-08-bunker_x.htm

Lonely Planet.com. (2014). Hitler’s Bunker. Retrieved from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/berlin/sights/historic/hitler-s-bunker

Picture References:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/assets/images/2010/02/18/100218170126_hitler_braun_getty_466.jpg

http://images.travelpod.com/tw_slides/ta00/e5e/e1e/hitlers-bunker-location-berlin.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/198650.jpg

Kościuszko Mound, Krakow

             After I leave Budapest, I will head to the final stop on the CETS trip, Krakow, Poland. While in Krakow, I will have the opportunity to go see Kościuszko Mound, a memorial site created by the citizens of Krakow to commemorate the Polish hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). The building of mounds was an ancient Polish tradition reserved as symbols of respect for fallen leaders. Examples of older, more ancient mounds include those of Krak and Wanda, historic Polish rulers, (“Kościuszko Mound,” n.d.). These mounds serve as symbolic tombs as well as monuments to the fallen leaders they represent.

            Tadeusz Kościuszko is remembered as a figure who fought for an independent Poland against foreign occupation. He was heavily influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and very interested in the ideas of self-rule and independence. Kościuszko traveled to America in 1776 in order to aid the United States in the American Revolution. His input was crucial to the American victory over the British, and he attained the rank of Brigadier General, (“Tadeusz Kościuszko,” n.d.). Following the American Revolution, Kościuszko returned to Poland and became a general in the Polish Army. However, after the Second Partition of Poland,   Kościuszko resigned. He later helped organize an uprising to reclaim an independent Polish state. Ultimately, this uprising failed but Kościuszko was forever cemented as a national hero in Polish memory, (“Tadeusz Kościuszko,” n.d.). The importance of Kościuszko to the Polish people can been seen in the mound that they built for him near Krakow.

 

Tadeusz Kościuszko

            The construction of Kościuszko Mound began shortly after Kościuszko’s death in 1817.  Dirt from the battlefields where Kościuszko fought, both in the United States and Poland, was collected from 1820 to 1823. This soil was then used as the material to create Kościuszko Mound, (“Kościuszko Mound,” n.d.). Today, the mound stands 34 meters high and offers spectacular views over Krakow, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). This is definitely a landmark that tourists should visit when they are staying in Krakow.

References:

Kościuszko Mound. History of the Kościuszko Mound. Retrieved from: http://www.kopieckosciuszki.pl/?x=historia_kopca&lang=en

Kościuszko Mound. Tadeusz Kościuszko. Retrieved from http://www.kopieckosciuszki.pl/?x=historia_tk&lang=en

Lonely Planet.com. (2014). Kościuszko Mound. Retrieved from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/poland/malopolska/krakow/sights/landmarks-monuments/kosciuszko-mound

Picture References:

http://cracow.travel/upload/object/2011-11/kopiec-kosciuszki.jpg

http://info-poland.buffalo.edu/imageweb/schwekert312.jpg

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/b6/81/ec/kosciuszko-s-mound-kopiec.jpg

Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest

            Once I leave Vienna and Austria behind, I will be travelling on to Budapest, Hungary. While there, I will have the opportunity to view the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. This bridge is considered a symbolic building in Budapest and was the first permanent stone-bridge to connect Pest and Buda over the Danube River. (“Chain Bridge,” 2014). Construction of the bridge began in 1839, but the bridge itself was not completed until 1849. The main architect was an Englishman named William Tierney Clark, and the construction supervisor was Adam Clark. However, the original proposal for the bridge came from a Hungarian leader named Count István Széchenyi. (“Chain Bridge,” 2014). Széchenyi was a major supporter of the bridge project and even founded a society for the sole purpose of financing the bridge. Ultimately the bridge itself was given his name after a renovation completed in 1915, (“A Brief History,” 2014). When this bridge was originally constructed it was the second longest suspension bridge in the world, (“Chain Bridge,” 2014). The building of this bridge was a major accomplishment.

            World War II brought much damage and destruction to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. In January of 1945, German troops blew up all the bridges in Budapest as they retreated. This included the Chain Bridge. The damage was extensive, with only the pillars of the bridge remaining unharmed, (“Chain Bridge, 2014). By 1947 the decision had been made to rebuild the bridge, and it was fully restored and reopened in 1949. The bridge’s reopening marked its centennial anniversary, (“Chain Bridge, 2014). The restoration of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge shows what an important landmark it had become to the Hungarian people.

           

Damage from World War II

Zero Milestone

            Today, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge has two lanes for traffic, and a sidewalk so pedestrians and tourists can cross the bridge to take in the view. In total, the bridge spans a length of 380 meters and is 14.8 meters wide, (“Chain Bridge, 2014). The bridge is known for its fantastic views of the city and is located close to major attractions on both the Buda and Pest sides of the Danube River, (“A Brief History, 2014).  Adam Clark Square, found on the Buda side of the bridge, contains the zero milestone for Hungary, meaning that it is the starting point for all the major Hungarian roads, (“Chain Bridge, 2014). The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a significant Hungarian landmark and I cannot wait to see it during my stay in Budapest.

References:

Bridges of Budapest.com. (2014). Chain Bridge. Retrieved from http://www.bridgesofbudapest.com/bridge/chain_bridge

Budapest.travel. (2014). A Brief History of Chain Bridge. Retrieved from http://visitbudapest.travel/guide/budapest-attractions/chain-bridge/

Picture References:

http://attractions.topbudapest.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Chain-Bridge-Budapest-WW2.png

http://www.bridgesofbudapest.com/content/pictures/bridges/chain_bridge/0km_stone_adam_clark_square.jpg

http://visitbudapest.travel/images/content/gallery/33/chain-bridge4__big.jpg

http://visitbudapest.travel/images/content/gallery/33/chain-bridge-by-night__big.jpg

Wachau Valley Vineyards, Austria

            While staying in Vienna, I will have the opportunity along with the other students going on the CETS trip to take a day trip on order to tour the Wachau Valley vineyards. This valley, located about 50 miles outside of Vienna, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historic vineyards, medieval villages, and scenic beauty. The Wachau Valley is located along the Danube River Valley between the two towns of Melk and Krems, (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). The cultivation of this land did not begin until around 800 CE, but evidence of human habitation in this Valley such as figurines have been found that are 32,000 years old. This would indicate that humans have been occupying this area since the Paleolithic period. The area we will be visiting between Melk and Krems has evidence of dense human settlements beginning during the Neolithic period (around 4500-1800 BCE), (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). The Valley was impacted by many conflicts throughout history, particularly during the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). The Wachau Valley has a long history filled with turmoil and upheaval, but even today the landscape and layout of this area represents its medieval past.

             The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries brought a change in how the Wachau Valley was perceived. This ancient area became “a blend of history and legend, art and folklore, wine and hospitality,” (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). It was recognized what an important economic area this was not only for wine production but also for tourism. Presently, the area practices sustainable tourism and the medieval vineyards are protected by law. Medieval references can be seen throughout the valley, particularly in the layout of the towns and the architecture found on winegrowers’ farmsteads, (“Wachau Cultural Landscape,” 2014). This is truly a beautiful region with a long and interesting history, making it an important destination for anyone staying in and around Vienna.

            Past CETS students have said that the bike tour of the Wachau Valley was one of their favorite experiences. I am greatly looking forward to visiting this gorgeous and ancient landscape.

References:

UNESCO. (2014). Wachau Cultural Landscape. Retrieved from http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/970/

Picture References:

http://www.gaestehaus-weidenauer.at/files/spitz1_othmar_bramberger.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/10/17/travel/17journeys-span/17journeys-span-articleLarge.jpg

Gasometer City, Vienna

            When I leave Brno, I will be leaving the Czech Republic behind and traveling to spend time in Vienna, Austria. While there, I will have the opportunity to visit a series of buildings with truly unique architecture, the Gasometers. These buildings, also known as Gasometer City, were constructed in 1896 by an engineer named Schimming. These four buildings were the largest gas storage containers in Europe, and were excellent examples of “industrial architecture,” (“History of the Gasometers,” 2014). The Gasometers continued to be in use until 1986. Vienna converted to natural gas from 1970-1978, making these buildings obsolete, (“History of the Gasometers,” 2014). The question then arose about what to do with these massive structures, once they did not serve a necessary industrial purpose.

           

            In 1995, it was decided that the Gasometers would be repurposed and remodeled. Each of the four Gasometers was worked on by a different architect. Jean Nouvel worked on Gasometer A, Coop Himmelblau worked on Gasometer B, Manfred Whedorn worked on Gasometer C, and Wilhelm Holzbauer worked on Gasometer D, (“The Architecture of the Gasometers,” 2014). The remodeling project was completed between 1999 and 2001. Although each Gasometer was worked on by a different architect, the general layout of the Gasometer is similar. The upper floors contain apartments, the middle floors contain offices, and the lower floors contain a shopping mall. The Gasometers are connected by skywalks on the shopping mall levels. The historic outside of the buildings were preserved, (“The Architecture of the Gasometers,” 2014). The Gasometers currently contain around 620 apartments, an event hall that can hold 3,500 people, a movie theater, the shopping mall, Vienna’s municipal archive, the offices of a telecommunication company, a school, and a medical facilities, (“The Architecture of the Gasometers,” 2014.) 

            I am greatly looking forward to visiting Gasometer City because I find the idea of converting old industrial buildings into functioning modern residential and urban buildings to be fascinating. The repurposing of these buildings was a massive project that I cannot wait to see first-hand during my stay in Vienna.  

References:

Wiener Gasometer. (2014). The Architecture of the Gasometers. Retrieved from http://www.wiener-gasometer.at/en/gasometer

Wiener Gasometer. (2014). History of the Gasometers. Retrieved from http://www.wiener-gasometer.at/en/history

Picture References:

http://vienna-unwrapped.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Jean_Nouvel_Buildings_Gasometers_01.jpg

http://weburbanist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/gasometers_1.jpg

http://www.wiener-gasometer.at/images/stories/gasometer_aussen.jpg

Hrad Špilberk, Brno

            After Prague, my next stop on the CETS trip is a short stay in Brno. While in Brno, I will have the opportunity to visit Hrad Špilberk, or Spielberg Castle in English. This historic building has a long and terrifying past that makes it a must-see location for anyone staying in Brno. This castle is a large, Baroque fortress on a steep hillside overlooking the historical center of Brno. It was constructed in the 13^th Century by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II. Hrad Špilberk was intended to serve as a fortress and house the rulers of Moravia, (“Špilberk Castle,” 2013). This building was constructed to last, surviving many sieges over the centuries. In 1809 Napoleon occupied the castle, (“Hrad Špilberk Review, 2013). Besides its use as a protective fortress, Hrad Špilberk has served a much darker purpose for much of its history.

           

            Hrad Špilberk has served a prison several times since its construction in the 13^th Century. This fortress became one of the most feared places in the Hapsburg Empire, housing individuals who were enemies of Austria-Hungary. Hellish conditions existed for those receiving harsh punishments. These individuals were chained in the catacombs bellow the fortress and only fed bread and water. Some torture methods may have been utilized on these prisoners, (“Hrad Špilberk Review,” 2013). Some famous prisoners that were held at Špilberk include Austrian commanders Bonneval and Wallis, Colonel Franz Trenck, and poet Silvio Pellico. Silvio Pellico went on to publish a book which made Hrad Špilberk famous around Europe. This building is remembered today as the “Prison of Nations”. During World War II, Hrad Špilberk served as a prison and fortress for the Nazis, (“Hrad Špilberk Review, 2013). This large fortress has a dark past that makes it a fascinating location to visit.

            Today, Hrad Špilberk has become a major cultural center in Brno. The fortress houses the Brno City Musuem, and the hill it occupies is a popular place among locals to walk and relax, (“Špilberk Castle,” 2013). This museum contains information about the history of Brno and the fortress itself, containing photographs and sketches of important builds throughout Brno, (“Hrad Špilberk Review,” 2013). Hrad Špilberk is a popular destination in Brno that I cannot wait to visit.

References:

Czechtoursim.com. (2013). Špilberk Castle. Retrieved from http://www.czechtourism.com /c/spilberk-castle/

Fodors.com. (2013). Hrad Špilberk (Spielberg Castle). Retrieved from http://www.fodors.com/ world/europe/czech-republic/moravia/review-462733.html

Picture References:

http://i.idnes.cz/09/032/gal/TOM18c760_Spilberk_Tomaskova_2005.jpg

http://media.novinky.cz/357/133570-top_foto1-5oz8n.jpg?1276693202

http://rickyyates.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Brno-Castle-4.jpg

Charles Bridge, Prague

            The next stop on my whirlwind one month tour of Central Europe will be in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. While there, I will be visiting one of the most iconic places in Prague, the Charles Bridge. This is a very popular location for tourists. The Charles Bridge is about 500m long and spans across the Vltava River between Old Town Prague and Prague Castle, (“Prague Experience,” 2014). Since this bridge is so well known, visitors are advised to stay aware in this very busy area as pickpockets are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists. It is also suggested that the best times to visit the bridge are in the early morning or evening in order to avoid the crowds, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014).

            The Charles Bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. The architect, Peter Parler, was given the task of replacing a previous bridge that had been washed away by flooding. The Charles Bridge was not completed until 1390. It was known simply as Stone Bridge until it was renamed after Charles IV in the 1800’s, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). The Charles Bridge was built to last and survived more than 500 years of wheeled traffic before it became a pedestrian only bridge after World War II, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). The sheer age and historic nature of the bridge make it a popular location for anyone visiting the city.

            Lining the Charles Bridge are 75 Baroque statues representing important Czech historical figures. Unfortunately, most of these statues are reproductions due to floods and other damages over the bridge’s long history, (“Prague Experience,” 2014). Flooding has been a significant problem for citizens of Prague, and in medieval times, they would look downstream from the bridge to view a carved stone head known as the Bearded Man. If the river had risen to that height, then they knew that flooding would be significant, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). In addition to the statues and medieval flood marker, there are towers on both ends of the bridge that provide spectacular views of the bridge, river, and city, (“Lonely Planet,” 2014).

            The Charles Bridge is an essential stop for any tourist visiting Prague, and I cannot wait to see it as part of my CETS trip this summer.

References:

Lonely Planet. (2014). Charles Bridge. Retrieved from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic/prague/sights/architecture/charles-bridge

Prague Experience. (2014). Charles Bridge. Retrieved from http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=598

Picture References:

http://www.irongate.cz/images/gallery/3_prague_charles_bridge.jpg

http://www.layoverguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Charles-bridge-in-Prague-Czech-Republic.jpg

Thomaskirche, Leipzig

                After Berlin, the next stop on the CETS program is Leipzig. During our stay in Leipzig we will visit Thomaskirche or St. Thomas Church. This church is located in the center of the city. Thomaskirche is well known not only for the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir, but also as the location where the famous composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, is buried (“Tomaskirche,” n.d.). This means that Thomaskirche is an important landmark for music lovers as well as an important cultural site.

            Foundations of a church at the location of Thomaskirche have been found dating back as far as 1160 (“Thomaskirche,” n.d.). Architecturally, Thomaskirche is a church in the Gothic style. The main church hall was completed in 1482. It has been renovated a few times, but the style of the architecture has not changed (“Thomaskirche,” n.d.). St. Thomas Church underwent an extensive restoration process after the reunification of Germany in 1990, with the project finishing in 2000, just in time to commemorate the 259^th anniversary of Bach’s death. This celebration also involved the dedication of a new Bach Organ within the church (“Thomaskirche,” n.d.). Thomaskirche is both architecturally and historically significant.

            Thomaskirche has a rich history, making it a must see location on our trip. In 1539, Martin Luther brought the Protestant Reformation to Leipzig by visiting Thomaskirche. Between 1723-1750, Johann Sebastian Bach was the Cantor in Leipzig and wrote and performed music at Thomaskirche. In 1789, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart came to play the organ (“Thomaskirche,” n.d.). Other interesting aspects of Thomaskirche’s history include the church being used as a place to store munitions by Napoleon’s troops in 1806 and the tower of the church sustaining damage during World War II (“Thomaskirche,” n.d.). Bach’s grave was not moved to Thomaskirche until 1950 (“Thomaskirche,” n.d.). This building not only has an interesting history, but also a long tradition of music, making it a must-see stop on my travels in Central Europe.

Reference:

Thomaskirche. St. Thomas Church: A place of faith, spirit and music. Retrieved from http://www.thomaskirche.org/

Picture References:

http://cdn3.vtourist.com/4/5106248-Thomaskirche_Leipzig.jpg

The Reichstag, Berlin

             Another location that I will visit as part of CETS is the Reichstag in Berlin. This historic building currently houses the German parliament and has been the site much turbulence and change throughout the twentieth century. The building, designed by Paul Wallot, was completed in 1894 (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). The intention behind the construction was to create a place to represent the unification of Germany that occurred in 1871. This large, neo-Renaissance building was created to signify a new “German Reich” and to house the Bundestag, known in English as the German Federal Parliament (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). At the time of its original completion the Reichstag did have a dome made of glass and steel.

            Throughout the twentieth century, the Reichstag took significant damage. In 1933, the Reichstag suffered damage as the result of a serious fire. The Nazi party, which was then in power, utilized the instance of the fire to justify the imprisonment of political enemies, particularly communists. However, even today, there is much uncertainty over what happened to actually cause the fire. (World site guides,” 2011). The Reichstag was a target for Allied bombings during air raids in World War II. It also became a major target for Soviet forces during the Battle of Berlin. (“World site guides,” 2011). The result of this damage the original dome over the top of the building was demolished in 1954 (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). There was significant debate over whether the building should be completely demolished, but ultimately it was decided that the Reichstag building should be restored.

            Restoration of the Reichstag was completed in 1961. The Budestag had moved to Bonn, which was the capital of West Germany, so the purpose of the Reichstag became to host meetings and exhibitions about German history (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). After the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, it was decided that the Reichstag should once again be the seat of the German parliament. Once again the Reichstag underwent significant reconstruction, and the cupola, or dome, which was rebuilt reflects natural light into the building (“World site guides,” 2011). This honored the original design as well as provided a symbol of transparency for the new unified German government.

            The inscription placed above the Reichstag’s entrance, “Dem Deutschen Volk” or “To the German Nation” is a famous reminder of the purpose of this historic building (“Berlin.de,” n.d.). Throughout the twentieth century, the Reichstag has played a central role in German history and is definitely a must see stop on my travels through Central Europe.

References:

Berlin.de. Reichstag. Retrieved from http://www.berlin.de/orte/sehenswuerdigkeiten/reichstag/index.en.php

World site guides. Reichstag, Berlin. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.worldsiteguides.com/   europe/germany/berlin/reichstag/

Picture References:

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/c7/1d/52/parliament-building-reichstag.jpg
http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/pix/baubilanz/regierungsgebaeude/reichstag.jpg
http://www.worldwar2database.com/gallery3/var/albums/wwii0266.jpg?m=1365562530

Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin

          

The first stop on our CETS trip to Central Europe is in Berlin. On one of our first days, we will be visiting Schloss Charlottenburg, or Charlottenburg Palace. This palace was constructed as the summer home for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of King Friedrich I of Prussia (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). The older part of the building, known as Altes Schloss, was constructed and decorated in the Baroque style in 1699 (“Berlin,” n.d.). The exterior of the palace is also Baroque. In 1742, a new wing of the palace was built by Frederich the Great. Known as the Neuer Flügel, this section was designed in the Rococo style by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knoblesdorff (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). Schloss Charlottenburg suffered from extensive damage during World War II, but restoration efforts began in the 1950’s (“Berlin,” n.d.). The palace now serves as a popular tourist destination, cultural site, and museum.

Schloss Charlottenburg has a lot to offer anyone who appreciates history or art. Some of the artistic highlights featured in the Charlottenburg Palace include paintings, vases, tapestries, weapons, and porcelain (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). The Altes Schloss contains the Oak Gallery, which houses Hohenzollern family portraits. This section of the palace also includes the first bathroom in a Baroque palace, the Oval Hall with a view of the gardens, and the Porcelain Chamber featuring porcelain from China and Japan (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). The Rococo style rooms found in the Neuer Flügel, are very ornate and flamboyant. (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). Schloss Charlottenburg is truly a fantastic palace with many historic buildings, architectural styles, and art to appreciate.

Other buildings that are considered part of the palace complex at Schloss Charlottenburg include the Schlossgarten, the palace’s park, the Belvedere, a building that now houses porcelain art, the Neuer Pavilion, a building that now contains paintings from the Romantic period, and the Mausoleum, which holds the tombs of various Hohenzollern royalty (“Lonely Planet,” 2014). Schloss Charlottenburg also houses the largest collection of eighteenth century French paintings outside of France (“Berlin,” n.d.). Besides being a grand palace, Schloss Charlottenburg is surrounded by an extensive and artistically rich palace complex. This is certainly a must see location for all tourists in Berlin.

References:

Berlin.de. Schloss Charlottenburg. Retrieved from http://www.berlin.de/en/museums/3109862-3104050schloss-charlottenburg.en.html.

Lonely Planet, (2014). Schloss Charlottenburg. Retrieved from             http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/berlin/sights/castles-palaces-mansions/schloss-charlottenburg.

Picture Reference:

http://www.german-architecture.info/017-schloss_charlottenburg-002.jpg

http://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schloss-charlottenburg-altes-schloss/