Citadel

The Citadel is probably the most famous place in Spandau. It was built in the 16th century to protect the royal city of Berlin-Cölln, but the oldest parts of the fortress date back to the Middle Ages. The Juliusturm from the early 13th century may be the oldest building in Berlin; it is certainly the oldest secular building.

Today the Citadel is considered the best-preserved Renaissance fortress in Europe – and also Spandau’s treasure chamber, not just because the reparations from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 were stored in the Juliusturm.

Inside the Citadel is a historical setting that houses various museums and exhibitions, such as the fascinating sculpture exhibition “Unveiled. Berlin and Its Monuments”, or the City History Museum, the Archaeological Window and the Kronprinz and Alte Kaserne galleries.

Fans of live and open-air events will know the Citadel from the many festivals and concerts which attract music fans from all over the country to Spandau.

Outside the concert season, more than 10,000 bats spend the winter here.