Spandau Citadel: A Renaissance Fortress in Berlin
Explore Berlin's Spandau Citadel: A Renaissance fortress with museums, events, and the city's oldest building, the Julius Tower.
The Spandau Citadel is one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe, located in Berlin's Spandau district. Constructed from 1559 to 1594 on the site of a medieval fort, it was designed to protect the town of Spandau. Today, it serves as a museum and a venue for various cultural events. The citadel features impressive architecture, including the Julius Tower, the oldest secular building in Berlin. Visitors can explore the fortress's bastions, ramparts, and casemates, offering a sense of 16th-century military life. The Citadel also houses several museums, including the Spandau Museum, which showcases the area's history, and the Archaeological Window, displaying artifacts from the medieval period. Throughout its history, the Spandau Citadel has served various purposes. It was besieged by Swedish troops in 1675 and later captured by Napoleon's army in 1806. The citadel also served as a prison for Prussian state prisoners and a gas laboratory during the Nazi era. After World War II, the British Army took control before handing it over to German authorities. Today, the Spandau Citadel is a vibrant cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Visitors can explore the bat cellar, home to thousands of bats during winter. The Citadel offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and culture, making it a must-see destination in Berlin.
Local tips
- Check the event calendar for concerts, festivals, and special exhibitions happening during your visit.
- Climb the Julius Tower for panoramic views of Spandau and the Havel River.
- Visit the bat cellar to see the Citadel's winter residents.
- Take a guided tour to learn about the Citadel's history and architecture.
- On the first Sunday of each month, admission is free.
A brief summary to Spandau Citadel
- Am Juliusturm 64, Berlin, Spandau, 13599, DE
- +49303549440
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Spandau Citadel via public transport, take the U7 subway line to Zitadelle station. Alternatively, you can take the S3 or S9 S-Bahn to Spandau station and then transfer to the X33 bus, which stops directly at the Zitadelle. From Berlin city center, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. A single fare for public transport in Berlin (AB zone) is around €3.50.
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Walking
From the U-Bahn station Zitadelle or the bus stop Zitadelle Spandau, it's a short walk to the Citadel entrance. Follow the signs and walk along Am Juliusturm. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
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Taxi
A taxi or ride-sharing service from Berlin city center to Spandau Citadel takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €35 and €45.
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Driving
If driving, parking areas are available in the vicinity of the Citadel. Parking spaces for disabled visitors are located in Zitadellenweg. The Citadel is located outside Berlin's low-emission zone. Parking fees vary, but you can expect to pay around €2-€4 per hour.
