Spandau is a short distance from the center of Berlin, but it may seem from another century. The Kiez (Berlin neighborhood) was once its own city.
Sitting at the meeting point of the Havel and Spree rivers, this settlement dates back to the 7th or 8th century and to the Slavic tribe, the Hevelli. Needing to protect their growing city, they built a fortress, today’s Spandau Citadel ( Zitadelle Spandau ). Not only is it a beautiful attraction and the site of a unique history of Berlin, but it hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. A look back at the history of Zitadelle Spandau and her best features today.
History of the Citadel of Spandau
After its construction in 1557, the first troops to besiege the Citadel were Swedish. However, it was not until 1806 that the Citadel was invaded by Napoleon’s army. The site desperately needed a restoration after the battle. Little by little it was rebuilt and the city around it grew and was incorporated into Greater Berlin in 1920. The defenses of the Citadel were used to hold people rather than go out as a prison for Prussian state prisoners. Finally, the Citadel found a new purpose as a gas laboratory for military research in 1935.
It took a more active role in the war effort in WWII as a line of defense during the epic battle in Berlin. Unable to overcome its walls, the Soviets were forced to negotiate a surrender. After the war, the Citadel was occupied by Soviet troops until the official division took place and Spandau ended up in the British sector. Despite persistent rumors, it is not used as a prison for national socialist war criminals like Rudolf Hess. They were housed near Spandau Prison. That site has been demolished to prevent it from becoming a neo-Nazi sanctuary.
Today, the fighting days of the Citadel are over and the site is ornamental. Opened to the public in 1989, it is one of the best preserved fortresses of the Renaissance with the Julius Tower with the title of the oldest structure in Berlin (built around 1200).
Events and attractions in the Spandau citadel
Visitors can cross the bridge over the moat and reach the grounds of the Citadel to admire the impressive tower and walls. It is difficult to imagine the dynamic shape of the fortress from the ground, but the images help to illustrate its unique rectangular shape with four corner bastions.
The old arsenal house is the site of the Spandau Museum which covers the full history of the area. The former commander’s house presents a permanent exhibition in the citadel. At the Queen’s Bastion, 70 medieval Jewish tombstones can be viewed by appointment. The changing works of young artists, craftsmen and even a puppet theater are available at Bastion Kronprinz. A new permanent exhibition, “Revealed – Berlin and its monuments”, shows monuments that have been removed after the political changes.
Back in the open air, the Zitadelle Theater offers theatrical performances and events in the courtyard. Check out your busy event schedule for outdoor concerts like the Citadel Music Festival in the summer. On a sunny summer day, take a break in the biergarten (or visit one of the other best biergartens in Berlin).
For something a little darker, literally enter the bat cellar. Around 10,000 native bats use the Citadel as their winter home and visitors can observe the animal and learn more about its habits here.
Visitor Information for the Berlin Citadel
Address : Am Juliusturm 64, 13599 Berlin
Website : www.zitadelle-spandau.de
