Köpenick Castle

The island where the palace stands was settled in prehistoric times. In the 8th or 9th century, a Slavic castle was built here, which was under the rule of Slavic prince Jaxa of Köpenick in the 12th century. After its conquest by the Ascanians around 1245, further structures followed, including a late medieval keep. Around 1550, a Renaissance hunting lodge was constructed under Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg. From 1677, Electoral Prince Frederick, later King Frederick I of Prussia, had the palace expanded to its current Baroque form. Architects such as Rutger van Langervelt and Johann Arnold Nering shaped the construction, which was largely completed by 1690. The palace served various purposes, including as a residence, dower house, and even a prison for political detainees. An archaeological investigation in 1938 uncovered parts of the foundations, and since 1963, it has been used as a museum, reopening in 2004 after restorations.

Köpenick Palace is located in the Köpenick district of Berlin, within the city of Berlin, in the state of Berlin, Germany. It stands at an elevation of approximately 31 m above sea level.

Today, Köpenick Palace houses the Museum of Decorative Arts of the National Museums in Berlin. Concerts are regularly held in the palace church. A restaurant is also located in the eastern building. The palace park offers an unobstructed view of the palace, with the palace courtyard used for events during the summer months.