Schloss Charlottenburg

Sunny days have been hard to come by here in Berlin, so when the sun finally peeked its face out from behind the clouds, we knew we had to take advantage of it.

I'm sure that on an average day, Schloss Charlottenburg is beautiful. However, when we first rounded the corner and the palace came into view, it was a little underwhelming, to say the least.

So majestic!

When not in the process of restoration, Schloss Charlottenburg is quite lovely. However, the outside is not the most extraordinary part of the palace. Prepare yourself for picture overload, because I paid the €3 photograph fee!

The first room we entered was the grand dining room. It was absolutely massive -- I'm fairly certain I gasped as we walked in -- and filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that lined the long walls. The walls were a bright white and trimmed in golden filigrees and vines. Two fireplaces stood at either end of the long room and above them hung giant, golden mirrors. Each of the four sets of doors were covered in golden depictions of gardens, complete with various animals, flowers, musical instruments, and people.

One of the sets of doors

Mirror over one of the fireplaces. You can see the reflection of the ceiling beautifully.

Despite all the gold trim, crystal chandeliers, and ornate carvings, the first thing I noticed was the amazing ceiling. Unlike the rest of the room, dripping in opulence, the center of the painted ceiling was much simpler. Instead of intricately painted details depicting the life of the wealthy (a super popular theme of the 17th and 18th century), it featured broader brushstrokes in softer colors, akin to an impressionist painting.

One of my favorite pictures.

It turns out, the reason for this departure of style was due to the war. During WWII, parts of the palace were badly damaged, including the ceiling of the dining room. The painting seen today is neither original, nor a restoration; the artist was asked to capture the essence of the original painting instead of simply restoring it. What was once a pastoral scene is now a beautiful piece that captures and enhances the beauty of the surrounding room. The juxtaposition of the ornate, baroque with the modern is really rather amazing. Even though it was the first room of the palace we saw, I knew it was going to be one of my favorites.

Next, we entered the second banquet hall -- because why have one when you can have two!? Somehow even more massive than the dining room, the walls were a sort of mint green color with pink accents and were absolutely covered with golden flowers, cupids, vines, grapes, and other elaborate flourishes.

Some of the wall decorations.

Apparently the phrase "less is more" hadn't yet been coined.

We walked through room after lavish room -- it was all a little overwhelming. I can't imagine actually living in a place like this (though I would certainly give it a try).

This silk lining the walls was all hand-painted!

The library was another one of my favorite rooms (surprise, surprise). Painted in a light blue, instead of gold flowers and vines trimming the walls, they were all done in silver. Much prettier in my eyes without sacrificing luxury. ;) And with the sunshine streaming in through the windows and reflecting off the mirrors, it seems an ideal place to curl up and read a book!

Adrian in the library.

So much prettier.

Wedding service. Side note, I really should have had table elephants at my wedding.

She looks thrilled.

Porcelain chandelier in the tea house. 

Wealth means having a suitcase specially designed for your fancy china.

I know it's hackey, but I don't think I will ever tire of touring fancy palaces. I promise that this blog won't just turn into me touring every palace I can find -- if for no other reason than Adrian will eventually refuse to go to another one with me!