In spring, we’re all drawn out into nature and to the old villages of Brandenburg. We long for peace and reflection, so that we can then enjoy the many wonderful things Berlin has to offer with renewed energy!
But you don’t even have to leave Berlin to find these dream destinations. In this second of three articles, we’ll travel together back to the time of the Berlin painter and architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. You can read the first article in the series here.
Between reality and fantasy: Karl Friedrich Schinkel created these picturesque places
Even in Schinkel’s time (1781–1841), people preferred to relax in the Brandenburg countryside rather than spend their time in the city. Artistically, this found expression in the Romantic movement. One of its great painters was Schinkel.
But there’s something special about him: While others were content with painting, Schinkel became the great architect of Berlin in the second half of his life. So he was able to turn the ideas in his paintings into reality!
Drawing inspiration from the reveries of his Romantic paintings, Schinkel created Gothic and Neoclassical masterpieces in Berlin. Doesn’t this incredible view from the painting “Landscape with Pilgrim” (see above) remind you of a blend of Glienicke Palace and the Neoclassical arcades of the Altes Museum with its 18 massive Ionic columns? Schinkel is responsible for both buildings!
The ultimate Schinkel tour through Mitte: These are the buildings the painter and architect constructed in Berlin
If you want to see as much of Schinkel’s work as possible in one go, your best bet is to start at the aforementioned Altes Museum and its Lustgarten on Museum Island. From there, cross Schinkel’s Schloßbrücke (you can explore this and many other bridges on this special boat tour!) and make a stop at the Neue Wache. Here, turn back toward the Spree and stop by the Schinkel Monument, which overlooks the former Bauakademie ( unfortunately destroyed).
Then you’ll make your way to the beautiful Friedrichswerder Church. The view inside the church is well worth it! Finally, we head to the Konzerthaus, considered by many to be Schinkel’s magnum opus. (Of course, that’s open to debate…) In the featured image above, you can see part of Schinkel’s original design superimposed over the current building!
A little tip: The Konzerthaus is the perfect place to wrap up your Schinkel city tour. Here, you can stop by the French Cathedral (right next door) and end the day with a wonderful concert in a romantic atmosphere!
