Charlottenburg, Residential district in western Berlin, Germany
Charlottenburg is a residential district in western Berlin, Germany, that straddles both sides of the Spree River and combines wide avenues, parks, and a mix of older apartment buildings with newer constructions. Kurfürstendamm runs east to west through the area, linking shopping streets, residential neighborhoods, and cultural venues.
The village of Lietzow was renamed Lützenburg in 1705 after Sophie Charlotte of Hanover received the land, and it grew into a small royal residence town during the 18th century. Incorporation into Berlin in 1920 merged the town into the expanding city, turning it into a central urban hub within a few decades.
The area takes its name from Sophie Charlotte of Hanover, whose palace still welcomes visitors into the sprawling gardens. Around Savignyplatz, locals gather in cafés and small bookshops, while the weekly market at Steinplatz offers fresh produce and regional goods.
Multiple underground and suburban rail stations provide access to other parts of the city, while Zoologischer Garten station also connects regional and long-distance trains. Cycle paths along the streets and through the parks make it easy to move around within the area.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was left standing as a ruin after wartime damage and paired with a modern addition featuring blue glass windows. This combination of old tower ruin and new building draws daily visitors who come to experience the unusual light inside.
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