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.

16 comments:

  1. I feel like the Count has a sort of whimsical look to him. Those helmets make my neck ache just looking at them. But, on the other hand they certainly are works of art.

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  2. What you all had to endure in those times.

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  3. Certainly wouldn't have wanted to go into battle wearing one of them. :-)

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  4. The hats themselves are a work of art; I wonder how comfortable it was to wear them?

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  5. That would be a fascinating place to visit. I've heard that the average human head weighs 14 pounds. You can imagine how hard it would have been to keep one's head on straight if it had to also carry the weight of these headdresses!

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  6. I can imagine how ungainly those helmets would have been to wear. I wonder if the Count had ever considered an eye patch.

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  7. It's a great way to maintain your spine... :-)

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  8. I agree with all what a lot to put on one's head to fight a battle. Very beautiful display, however.

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  9. That last helmet must be really heavy!

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  10. So many things like these helmets that I see in museums makes me wonder how you could even move in battle!

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  11. Thanks for showing what I have only seen images of in my history books:)
    Looks heavy to be wearing on the head.

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  12. yes, those helmets must be uncomfortable to wear for sure!

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