Schloss Charlottenburg is one of finest examples of baroque architecture in Germany. It was built by Sophie Charlotte. She was a beautiful, intelligent women who loved the arts and philosophy. She was also the wife of Friedrich III, elector of Brandenburg, who on January 18, 1701, crowned himself, Friedrich I, "King in Prussia". He nearly bankrupted the state with his extravagant ways. The residence was begun as a summer palace but got out of hand. Sophie Charlotte never saw the palace completely furnished, she died at age 37. The large formal garden look much as they did in the 18th century. A grove of cypress trees leads to a lake with swans and other water fowl. Much of the 2nd story of the castle was destroyed during WWII. It has been rebuilt, but isn't decorated quite the same. Much of the furnishings were also destroyed, so replicas of the era are used. However, there is quite a lot of Sophie's porcelain collection still on display. Some of the dishes, tea sets, and pottery are exquisite. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed inside the Schloss. We went on a self guided radio tour of the Schloss. It was very interesting. The pictures are from the gardens.
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