Built: 1695-1699 Designed by: Johann Arnold Neting and Martin Grünberg Renovated: 1701 by Johann Eosander von Göthe Renovated: 1740-1746 by Knobelsdorff Type: Palace-Castle-Fortress Location: Spandauer Damm, Berlin, Germany
T he largest palace in Berlin, Schloss Chrlottenburg was built for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of then-Elector Friedrich III. The palace didn't start out as the largest in Berlin. When it was first completed in 1699, it was a comparatively modest affair. But with Friedrich's elevation to King of Prussia, he brought in Swedish architect Johann Eosander von Göthe to start the first expansion.
The new king wanted something every other king in Europe has envied: France's Palace of Versailles. Von Göthe started by adding the greenhouse (orangerie) in the west wing, and a domed tower. The building began to take shape around a central courtyard and gardens were laid out in the French style. A second expansion from 1740-1746 created the eastern wing, and from 1787-1791 the west wing was expanded again with the addition of a theater. Unfortunately, the French gardens would not survive as the open space was turned into something more akin to a park.
The palace was badly damaged during the Second World War. When reconstruction began, a portion of the open space was once again turned into a French garden. Today, the castle is a major tourist attraction and some of its facilities have been turned into museums. The grounds are open to the public and are a favorite place for Berliners to spend a warm summer day.
1695 - Construction begins.
1699 - Construction is completed.
1701 - Elector Friedrich becomes King of Prussia, and orders Johann Eosander von Göthe begins work on the first palace expansion, which includes the orangerie.
1713 - The Great Oak Gallery banquet hall is completed.
1740 - Construction begins on the east wing including more banquet halls, the Golden Gallery, and the White Gallery.
1746 - Construction is completed on the east wing.
1787 - Construction begins on the palace theater.
1791 - Construction of the palace theater is completed.
1943 - The palace is severely damaged by Allied bombs during the Second World War.
1950~ - Bomb damage is repaired.
A mausoleum on the grounds, designed by Christian Daniel Rauch, contains the remains of Queen Luise, and Friedrich Wilhelm III.
