Festung Spandau, Renaissance fortress in Spandau district, Berlin, Germany
Festung Spandau is a Renaissance fortress in the Spandau district with four bastions surrounded by a water moat. The massive stone walls follow Italian principles of military architecture and create a distinctive star-shaped structure.
The fortress was built between 1559 and 1594 by architect Rochus zu Lynar, replacing a medieval castle founded in 1157 by Albert the Bear. The location remained a crucial point of Berlin's defenses for several centuries.
The fortress now houses museums displaying Berlin's sculptures from different periods, including historical figures and architectural elements. Visitors can explore the city's artistic heritage through statues and monuments that were moved here from other neighborhoods.
The fortress is open daily to visitors and offers guided tours through the grounds. Public transportation connects directly to the site, and parking is available near the entrance.
During World War II, the fortress housed a military research facility where hundreds of scientists worked on weapons development. This hidden laboratory played a covert role in Nazi weapons research.
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