Bellevue Palace

Bellevue Palace is a neoclassical residence in the Mitte district, located at the northern edge of the Großer Tiergarten in Berlin. The building sits directly on the Spree riverbank, close to the Victory Column, and presents itself as a white three-wing structure with a columned portico and central dome.

The palace was built in 1786 for Prince Augustus Ferdinand of Prussia as a private summer residence and is considered the first neoclassical building in Germany. After World War II it was reconstructed and has served as the official seat of the Federal President since 1994.

The name Bellevue means "beautiful view" and originally referred to the outlook over the Spree and the surrounding gardens. Today the building serves as the official residence of the Federal President, where state guests are received and important ceremonies are held.

The palace can only be visited through guided tours that are offered occasionally and must be booked in advance. The park surrounding it is publicly accessible and allows a view of the facade and the maintained gardens.

During World War II local residents buried military statues on the palace grounds, which were rediscovered only in 1993 during construction work. The bronze figures had lain unnoticed underground for almost 50 years.

Location: Bezirk Mitte von Berlin

Inception: 1786

Architects: Michael Philipp Daniel Boumann

Official opening: 1786

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Website: https://bundespraesident.de/DE/Die-Amtssitze/Schloss-Bellevue/schloss-bellevue-node.html

GPS coordinates: 52.51750,13.35333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:33