The one-eyed count

Meet Count Rochus Graf zu Lynar, the Italian architect who designed and built Zitadelle Spandau. Though he looks like he's winking in this portrait, it's just the one-eyed count's way of saying hello. He lost an eye in the Battle of Saint Quentin in France, after which he concentrated his efforts on other pursuits, like building fortresses. He was a shrewd builder and planner - the Zitadelle is built on the confluence of the rivers Havel and Spree and has four tall bastions that make it impossible for anyone to approach the site without being seen. 

The Museum inside is part showcase for all things Prussian and part Heimatmuseum (hometown museum for Spandau). 

Here's a selection of ceremonial helmets that were worn by elite members of the Prussian Military. There were quite a few of them on display.

Some had interesting symbols.

Others were over-the-top ornate. It couldn't have been very comfortable to wear such headgear, I'm sure it is very heavy.

I hope you'll stop by again tomorrow. We'll skip the rest of the military stuff and take a look at some of the more interesting items in the Prussian section of the museum. I'm linking this post with Tuesday Treasures.