Bellevue Palace

Located along the Spree River, Bellevue Palace is both an architectural jewel and an important historical site in Berlin. Built in 1786 at the request of Prince Augustus Ferdinand of Prussia and designed by architect Michael Philipp Boumann, it originally served as a summer residence. The name “Bellevue,” meaning “beautiful view,” referred to its scenic riverside location. Prince Augustus Ferdinand lived there until his death in 1813, after which his son Augustus took residence.

In 1843, King Frederick William IV acquired the palace, securing its place within the Prussian royal family. During World War I, Bellevue was used by the German military command, and in 1938 it was repurposed by the Nazi regime as a guest house. In 1941, the building was heavily damaged by firebombs. After World War II, Bellevue was restored between 1954 and 1959. President Theodor Heuss designated it as a secondary residence, but it only became the official presidential residence after German reunification in 1994.

Presidents Richard von Weizsäcker, Johannes Rau, and Horst Köhler mainly used it as an office, while Roman Herzog lived there full-time between 1994 and 1998. A major renovation in 2006 modernized the palace into a representative office and ceremonial venue. Today, while the president resides elsewhere, Bellevue Palace continues to host official state events, symbolizing both Berlin’s history and Germany’s evolving political role.