Citadel Spandau
The Citadel in Spandau is one the most remarkable and best preserved fortresses from Renaissance times in Europe. When old castle facilities rendered obsolete to improved weapons in the 16th-century, Elector Joachim II dared to construct, instead of a castle a fortress based on an Italian model. the fortress is completely surrounded by water and has the form of a square with bastions. The distance from one bastion top to the next is around 300m. The gatehouse (see picture) stems from the 16th-century. It is decorated with circa 1680 segment pediments. In the centre, one can see the Brandenburg national emblem. After his crowing in the January 1701, Friedrich III, replaced the electoral hat above the emblem with the kings crown. During attacks onto the citadel in the year 1813, the gatehouse was badly damaged by Prussian artillery fire. There is a permanent exhibition about the castle and citadel history to be seen in the so-called Commander's House.
The moat surrounds the whole of the fortress wall.
Impressions around the fortress wall.
The historical tavern 'Zitadellen Schänke' has been catering to its guests for over 30 years. The tavern is to be found in the vaults of the Commander's House, left from the gatehouse entrance. The rustic cuisine of the Middle Ages makes the tavern so unique. Specialities of the house are the 7-course menus like 'Brauerkumpaney' (farmers' buddy), 'Klosterküche' (monastery cuisine), 'Liebesmahl' (love banquet), 'Märchenküche' (fairy tale cuisine), and 'Spießbraten' (meats from the spit), served in a very special, hearty way. In the evening, jugglers entertain guests with songs and ballads.