Old Berlin and the splendid City Palace

Berlin is unique in the world because of the tremendous topographical changes in its history.

In the heart of Berlin, the "Schlossplatz", which means "palace square", was the focal point of Berlin’s, Prussia’s and Germany’s history for nearly half a millennium.

For the last 500 years, this place was home of several splendid palaces. From the 15th century, the electors of Brandenburg and the kings of Prussia were situated there. From the 19th century even the German Emperor, the “Kaiser”. After World War II, the leaders of the socialist German Democratic Republic erected a new "Palace of the Republic".

Be witness of these tremendous changes. Follow us on an entertaining trip though Germany’s and Prussia’s history and take a look at this important place - then and now.

Berlin and Brandenburg-Prussia in the 17th century

When elector Friedrich Wilhelm commenced his reign in 1640 the Thirty Years War should last for another eight years. His territories and the capital Berlin suffered severe damage during the war. The rebuilding of the state was therefore the main task for the twenty-year old sovereign. Full of force he began to rearrange the state.

Friedrich Wilhelm strengthened the military power of Brandenburg-Prussia by establishing a standing army. The defencelessness during the struggles of the Thirty Years War should never be repeated.

For this reason the sovereign had built field defences around Berlin. Between 1658 and 1683 the citizens of the city erected a star-shaped rampart according to the most modern knowledge of defence architecture. The field defences never had to prove their functionality.

When Friedrich Wilhelm died in 1688 Brandenburg-Prussia had the suppositions to be a part of the European Powers.

During the reign of his successor, elector Friedrich III., the dynasty of the Hohenzollern became kings. Friedrich III. Crowned himself in 1701. As King of Prussia he was named Friedrich I.

Since the 15th century a palace was located in Berlin. Many of Friedrichs predecessors had it rebuilt and extended until a large area of splendid Renaissance buildings were established.

Friedrich I. who considered this seat of the court unsuitable to his royal dignity built a new baroque palace after the standard of the french king Louis XIV. This palace was completed by Friedrichs son, Friedrich Wilhelm I., in 1716. Until its destruction after Second World War this baroque palace could be found in the heart of Berlin.