Smooth sailing

Just look at the beautiful, smooth waters of the Havel River. Just a few hundred meters ahead is the place where Berlin's major rivers, the Havel and the Spree meet up. We were lucky to have such nice weather the day we went on this boat cruise through Tegel and Spandau. I wish the summer didn't have to end!

Spiraling up

It is perhaps difficult to tell from this photo, but this is the staircase that takes you to to the top of the Juliusturm at Zitadelle Spandau. It was interesting that the stairs were against the walls of the tower instead of being right in the center. It was quite the walk up, though I find coming down is often worse! For more treasures, take a look at Tuesday Treasures.

More eagles

I do love the German eagles, even if they're on weapons of war. 

You have to admit, these canons have their own artistic merit.

They certainly don't make them like that anymore! More treasures abound at Tuesday Treasures.

Metallurgy in Spandau

In the Middle Ages, Spandau was a center of industry and advancement. New techniques for metallurgy were developed here at a large mill. Power from the mill was used to melt ore and cast it into cannons and other weapons. You can see how it worked in this mural, tomorrow I'll show you some of the output. It's Monday again and you'll find more murals at Monday Mural.

Der Juliusturm

The Juliusturm (Julius Tower) is the oldest part of the Citadel, it dates back to a fortress that was on the site as early as 1200. A trip up to the top is one of the highlights of a visit to Spandau. On a clear day, you can see quite a ways and you easily understand the defensive nature of its position at the confluence of the Spree and Havel.

Though it was a bright day, it wasn't sunny and it was pretty cold and windy. I couldn't stay up top for very long, but I got a few snaps of the view. This is a view onto part of the moat which ensured the safety of Citadel in the old days.

And here's a look into the city center of Spandau. You may remember the church tower from yesterday's model. I hope you've enjoyed your week at the Citadel. For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

A look at Spandau

Here's a look at a model of modern-day Spandau from the Heimat section of the museum. I always find it interesting to see a city on a scale like this, though the Citadel is not included. 

Spandau used to be a separate city from Berlin, until it was incorporated in the 1920s. It has historically been a site for manufacturing and industry, but there were a few surprising facts I learned from touring the museum.

Spandau was once an important center for film and television work. This car and motorcycle were used in filming. The popular German/French actress Romy Schneider filmed a few movies on a soundstage in Spandau.

This red device is an old fire alarm with a picture of the Spandau fire brigade behind it. As Spandau has traditionally been a center of industry, having a modern and responsive fire service was especially important to the city.

Lastly, a bit of the darker side of Spandau's history. After the Nuremburg trials, seven high-profile inmates, known as the Spandau seven, were sent to the Spandau Prison (which is not part of the Citadel). The prison was guarded on a rotating schedule by the Aliies. Above is a picture of the changing of the guard along with a hat from each of the Allies uniforms. 

In 1987 the Spandau Prison was destroyed after the last remaining inmate, Rudolf Hess, died. (There is still controversy as to whether his death was suicide or murder.) City leaders did not want the site to become a neo-nazi shrine and a shopping mall was built in its place.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour so far. Believe it or not, there's still more! Tomorrow we'll take a look at the Julius Tower and get a view over Spandau.

The Prussian Eagle and other things

The Zitadelle Spandau has become a repository for relics from the Prussian days. Before Germany was a federal republic, it was divided into kingdoms and duchies. Prussia was one of the bigger and more powerful of them. The Prussians rulers were known for their political savvy and built their empire over the years through both marriage and military means.

Unfortunately, the Prussian history is linked with military aggression and a monarchy who was out of touch with the people. For this reason, many of the old busts and statues of Prussian rulers were removed from their public places. You can see some of them here at the Citadel along with many other historical items, like this Eagle of the Prussian empire.

I don't recall the historical significance of this desk, but I like the way the light is hitting it, making the wood seem to glow.

This gun and the accompanying papers reveal the fate of military deserters.

Lastly, it's hard for me to resist a shot through a doorway, especially when the light is so perfect. Hope you've enjoyed the tour so far, I'll show some of the Heimatmuseum of Spandau tomorrow. Until then, there are more signs at Signs, Signs.

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.

Spandau Citadel

As promised, this week we're taking a tour through the Spandau Citadel. It's always good to start with a full-frontal of the building itself. The Citadel was completed in 1594 and is built at the crossroads of the rivers Havel and Spree, making it a perfect defensive spot. Today the Citadel hosts a Heimatmuseum. I hope you'll stop by again tomorrow for a look inside.

Renaissance fence

This fence is outside the Spandau Zitadelle. i'll be taking you on a tour of the Renaissance fortress next week, so I hope you'll come back. Until then, take a look at Good Fences. 

PS: Don't forget to stop by Halcyon Travels for of the beautiful Alsace.