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Schloss Charlottenburg – Part 2: Inside the Palace

The Oak Gallery at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Walking through Schloss Charlottenburg felt almost like stepping back in time.  In my head, I could hear Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (neither had been composed when the Schloss was first erected) playing as Kings and Queens entertained their guests.

The rooms of the Schloss are beautifully and often sumptuously decorated, though much of the furniture was taken from the Stadtschloss after it was demolished in 1950.

Several of the rooms were decorated with elaborate wall hangings.

Wall Decoration at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Wall Decoration at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

It was only by getting close to some that it was clear that they had been woven rather than painted.

Detail of Wall Decoration at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Where the walls themselves weren’t the artwork, paintings of the former inhabitants and family members were often on display.

Painting at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

In one room, a dial connected to a weather vane on the roof of the Schloss indicated the wind direction.

Wind Indicator at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

The ceilings were also often elaborately decorated with frescos or carvings and from many hung beautiful chandeliers.

Chandelier at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Chandelier at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Throughout there was a clear Oriental influence in the choice of porcelain with blue and white china prevalent.

Blue and white china vase at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Oriental Influences at at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Nowhere was the Oriental influence more clear than in the Porcelain Cabinet (Porzellankabinett), a room with barely an inch free of ornamentation, either porcelain or gilding.

The Porcelain Cabinet (Porzellankabinett) at at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Buddha Statue in the Porcelain Cabinet (Porzellankabinett) at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Following on from the Porcelain Cabinet was the Palace Chapel (Schlosskapelle) and these for me were the two most impressive rooms in the building.

Statue in the Palace Chapel (Schlosskapelle) at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Decoration in the Palace Chapel (Schlosskapelle) at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Child's grave statue in the Palace Chapel (Schlosskapelle) at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Unfortunately, Schloss Charlottenburg was severely damaged during the war and due to a lack of funds for the restoration the first floor has been more plainly decorated.

It does however contain a wealth of portraits, statues, silverware and other objects of note so should not be missed.

An armoured helmet and plume of feathers at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Gold serving dish at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

Crowns at Schloss Charlottenburg in Berlin

The €15 I spent on the entrance fee and photo permit for Schloss Charlottenburg is the best money I’ve spent in Berlin.  I was impressed by the building’s exterior and the Palace Gardens and Grounds but I found the interior breathtakingly beautiful.

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3 Responses to Schloss Charlottenburg – Part 2: Inside the Palace

  1. justmusing 10 December, 2012 at 19:01 #

    Yes! the candelabra of the round hall ; ) superb photos. thank you.

  2. Jim 13 December, 2012 at 02:52 #

    I toured Schloss Charlottenburg when I was in Berlin in 1984. It’s delightful to see its interior again; my camera did a poor job inside the castle (I believe flash photography was verboten) and so my photos are poor.

    • andBerlin 13 December, 2012 at 10:10 #

      Jim, you’re right the use of flash isn’t allowed but fortunately cameras are now able to cope much better with low light conditions.

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