Ruhleben

Our last full day in Berlin. Early start next day, with a flight to Frankfurt, and thence to Singapore early Sunday morning.

So we thought we would catch up on another of our targets, Charlottenburg Palace. This “Schloss” is the largest & most significant palace in Berlin.

It was built for Sophie-Charlotte, younger sister of King George I of England, and wife of Elector Frederick III (later King of Prussia), between 1695 and 1699.

Since then it has grown and developed, with orangeries, a “New Wing” (1740s!), and other buildings. The palace was a favourite of Frederick the Great, Sophie-Charlotte’s grandson, and he was responsible for much of its development.

Following substantial damage in WWII from bombing and subsequent fires, Charlottenburg has been rebuilt and renovated. This work is continuing.

We arrived from the U-Bahn just after 12, and so were keen for lunch. We got conflicting directions from several trollish staff, and with Des becoming increasingly “hangry” it took us half an hour to find a mediocre cafe in the Kleine Orangerie 200m away from the main pslace building - in the rain!There were no signs, and no map handouts of the palace & grounds either.

Hunger somewhat assuaged, we returned to the central palace building - getting soaked on the way!

The Charlottenburg highlight for us was the Porcelain Room, filled from floor to ceiling with exquisite Chinese porcelain, mounted into gold supporting structures on the walls. Clearly they don’t have earthquakes in Berlin!!

Upstairs is the Silberkammer, including a large display of the royal family’s 2,600 piece silver service for 50 guests, on loan from new owners, Berlin City. This service was finished only as WWI started in 1914, and was never used.

Also displayed were the Prussian royal regalia, crowns, orb & sceptre, now belonging to Crown Prince George Hohenzollern of Prussia!

Much of the other decoration reflects the sternly militaristic and Calvinist interests and attitudes of the Hohenzollerns. The palace is filled with military paraphernalia and celebrations of military victories over neighbouring countries.

Like the rest of Germany, the palace shop sold postcards but no stamps!! I resisted the temptation to buy Hohenzollern- themed socks.

Despite a few ups & downs, this was a very worthwhile expedition, crammed as it was with history.

So, farewell to Germany. It’s been a fantastic 6 1/2 weeks, we have enjoyed and learned so much!

Next blog from Singapore Sunday.Read more