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Zitadelle Spandau - Berlin Hotels .com
With a moat, drawbridge, and high-walled bastions, the Spandau Citadel stands as one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in Europe. While the main towers date back to the twelfth century fortress of Albert the Bear, the present citadel was designed by Italian engineers in the sixteenth century to protect the city of Spandau from Berlin. Now a part of the capital city, this castle at the confluence of the Spree and Havel rivers is one of the most popular tourist sights in the area. Over the years the Spandau Citadel has been used for many purposes, including a prison, a factory for ammunition during the Thirty Years' War, and as the Army Gas Defense Laboratories during World War II. In addition to tours, the castle now features a local museum.
Guided tours at the Citadel are available every Saturday, Sunday and holiday, with hours from noon - 4 p.m. April to October; 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in March and November and; December to February by appointment.
Address:
Am Juliusturm, 13599 Berlin
URL: http://www.zitadelle-spandau.de/