Rheinsberg ratskeller

Although it may not sound appealing to our English ears, the Ratskeller is just the name for a traditional restaurant that would be found in the Rathaus (city hall) of every German city. In German, "Rat" means advice, so calling the City Hall the Advicehouse sort of makes sense. It looks like this Ratskeller has attracted a couple of patrons at least! Photo taken in November 2011.

Fred in silhouette

A look at the famous Frederick II who once used this palace as one of his summer abodes. It wasn't his favorite though and later on he gave it to his brother Henry. Henry and his wife occupied this humble habitat until the early 1800s. But it's still good old Fred who got the memorial statue in front of the palace. Photo taken in November 2011.

Blue sky day

Another look at the palace from the outside. Everything looks better under a blue sky, don't you agree? Photo taken in November 2011.

Infinite doorway: Part II

Another look at the doorways in the Rheinsberg Palace. I hope you are enjoying this series. Photo taken in November 2011.

Streaming in

This room looked even more beautiful with the sunlight streaming in. I love the old heating stove. They were very popular in Berlin and this one is a fantastic example. Photo taken in November 2011.

More cherubs

Another sighting of the plump innocents at the Rheinsberg Palace. I promise I'm getting off this cherubic kick soon! Photo taken in November 2011.

The gallery

There was lots of artwork to look at in the Rheinsberg Palace. They even have some chairs lined up, although visitors can't sit on them, of course! Photo taken in November 2011.

Front and back

This lady is lucky to have been placed in a spot where she can see both the front and back of her hair. Photo taken in November 2011. If you'd like to see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Al fresco

During the East Germany times, this series of rooms were used for therapeutic baths and a cafeteria for those who were convalescing here. The walls were papered over, which actually helped to preserve these lovely frescos underneath. Photo taken in November 2011.

Royal boudoir

Prince Fred had quite the fancy digs! Photo taken in November 2011.

Cherubic details

Good old prince Fred did seem to be fond of the cherubs. I found them all over the Rheinsberg Palace. 

The one thing I can't decide for this shot is whether it's better in black and white or color. What do you think? Photo taken in November 2011.

Cherub

More details from the Rheinsberg Palace. Photo taken in November 2011. To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Make yourself at home

Fancy a sit? The arrangement does look inviting, although visitors are not actually allowed to sit here. The furniture is unfortunately not original to the palace (most of it was taken by the East or destroyed), but they have borrowed pieces from other castles in order to keep with the period. Photo taken in November 2011.

Reflective views

The Rheinsberg Palace actually lies right on a small lake. Imagine walking out your back door to a view like this. I certainly wouldn't mind! Photo taken in November 2011. To see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Back door

Now that you've seen the front of the palace, here's a look at the back. And tomorrow I'll show you the magnificent view! It's worth coming back for. Photo taken in November 2011.

Front door

A look at the entrance to the Rheinsberg Palace. It's pretty grand! Photo taken in November 2011.

Chirp, chirp

The Rheinsberg Palace is located in what used to be East Germany. During those years, the castle was used as a convalescent home. The beautiful birds you see here are part of the original silk wallpaper that you can find in one of the rooms. Luckily it was used as a doctor's room, otherwise this paper probably would have been stripped, never to be seen again. A few things of beauty were preserved, at least. Photo taken in November 2011.

Das wird schwer!

A detail from inside the Rheinsberg Palace. I think his arm must be getting tired from holding that beam up! Photo taken in November 2011.

Neigh

Always remember to look a gift horse in the mouth. I found this one at the Rheinsberg Palace just outside Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011.