Königs Wusterhausen Castle

The origins of the palace date back to the 14th century, when a moated castle stood on this site, first mentioned in 1382. In 1682, the Great Elector acquired the estate for his son Frederick I, who later passed it on to his own son, the future Soldier King Frederick William I. Frederick William I used the simple palace as a hunting and summer residence to escape the opulent buildings of his father and the affairs of state. Here he held his Tobacco Colleges and dedicated himself to the training of his "Tall Fellows." In 1717, the town of Wusterhausen received the prefix "Königs" in his honor. A chapter in the palace's history was the signing of the decree for the execution of Hans Hermann von Katte in 1730 by the king, after his son Frederick II's failed escape.