Salve

There is something I really like about this doorway - actually many things! The arches, the details surrounding the door, the small oval window... but especially the built in Latin welcome mat! 

Happy Friday! Hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead.

A look inside

The Schloss Bellevue has only been used by Germany's President since 1994. During the divided years, the President worked at the Hammerschmidt Villa in Bonn (the former capitol of West Germany). The palace was originally used as a hunting lodge by the Prussian royalty. It suffered quite a bit of damage during WWII, but luckily was preserved.

Today the President of Germany has his offices here. He also hosts state dinners and other events for foreign dignitaries onsite. Each elite visitor signs a special page in the guest book. The President of Slovenia had just visited a few days before I was there.

Schloss Bellevue

The Schloss Bellevue is the building where the German president works and hosts visiting foreign dignitaries. I was lucky enough to be invited on a tour of the building and grounds recently (it is not open to the public) and I saw his personal study and the many rooms he uses for entertaining. Stay tuned for more!

Victoria building

Here's a look at the former headquarters of Victoria Versicherung in Berlin. How fantastic it must have been to walk through such a stately doorway on your way to work back in the old days.

Here's a closer look at the details. They just don't make them like this anymore! It's Tuesday, and you'll find more treasures here.

Monochrome treasures

A familiar sight in Kreuzberg. Beautiful, old buildings marred by graffiti. More treasures are to be found at Tuesday Treasures.

Open gate

I found this fantastic doorway on a recent walk through my neighborhood. I love how the slightly open gate seems to just invite one in. What really caught my eye is the face and the other intricate details just above the door. A real treasure, and you'll find more at Tuesday Treasures.

Through the doors

Follow me through these doors and I'll take you on a journey through one of Berlin's secret art galleries. Best of all, all of the art is displayed in an old, WWII-era bunker. I hope I've intrigued you to come back for more!

PS: There are more photos from my holidays in Florida on Halcyon Travels. Stop by for a look!

Kunstgewerbemuseum

This week I'm going to take you on a little tour of the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts). This was my last stop on my Museum Tour before my yearly card expired. They have a large and varied collection from porcelain vases to fancy ball gowns from the 17th century. I hope you enjoy the tour!

PS: Don't forget to stop by Halcyon Travels for a look at my recent trip to Israel.

Chapel entrance

A perfect scene in black and white.

PS: Don't forget to stop by Halcyon Travels for a look at my recent trip to Israel.

Looking through

We're back to the Märkisches Museum. As I said before, I really loved the architecture and the details in this museum, like this wonderfully painted doorway. 

In the next room, there were some nice paintings on display, including this one of the Neue Kirche (aka Deutsche Dom) on Gendarmenmarkt. The church is called the "New Church" because it was built after the Reformation had been accepted in Berlin. When Berlin's leaders started leaning towards the reform teachings of Luther and Calvin, Catholic cathedrals were simply converted to protestant churches. Thus, it was nice for parishioners in this part of the city to have a brand new place to worship.

Towards the light

I had always wanted to visit the Märkisches Museum, if only to see the architecture from the inside. It is such an interesting building with interesting exhibits inside too! Won't you come inside and take a look...

Fire brigade

I love the bright red garage doors on this firehouse, but the cyclist crossing my path really makes the shot. Hope you are having a great weekend so far!

Strong bicycles

Yes, it's another bike shot. This one just seems so Berlin  to me. The name of the shop is Bicycles out of Steel - they must be very strong and HEAVY! You'll find more signs at Signs, Signs.

Berliner Dome in summer

The Berliner Dome always looks fantastic, but especially with those leafy, green trees framing it.

Arcades

Found along Karl Marx Allée - this was once the fanciest shopping area of the DDR. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot for sale and what was on offer was typically unaffordable for most people. I do like this facade though, even if that's all it is really...

Looking through

There were so many wonderful architectural details at the Bode Museum. Enjoy!

Cafe al fresco

The wonderful days of summer are almost here and it looks like this cafe is well-prepared to welcome guests to its patio. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

The Kreuzburger

I love the name of this burger joint - a play on words on the district it's located in, Kreuzberg. For more signs from around the world, check out Signs, Signs.

Doorway and benches

Something about this doorway appealed to me. And the nearby benches just made the whole scene! This was taken in a neighborhood school yard where kids (and adults) come to play soccer on the weekends.

PS: Happy Saint Patrick's Day to those who celebrate!

Shadowy

You sometimes find beautiful things in the most unlikely places. 

These lovely shadows were made by this door to a mausoleum. I thought they were perfect in black and white. Hope you agree!