Spandau Citadel

The Spandau Citadel is one of the most significant and best preserved Renaissance citadels (fortresses) in Europe. The fortress was built in Spandau in the period from 1559 to 1594 on the site of a medieval fortress. In addition to the citadel, the Haneberg fort, built in 1886, also belongs to the complex. In 1935, the citadel became a secret object: a laboratory was located here that developed chemical protective agents and toxic substances for the army, in particular, the herbal paralytic gas was studied. In 1945, the citadel was besieged by Soviet troops that entered Berlin. Inside, in addition to the German military, was hiding civilians. Thanks to the negotiations conducted by Major Vasily Grishin and Captain Vladimir Gall with German officers, they managed to avoid casualties, and on May 1, 1945 (the day before the surrender of Berlin), the German garrison chose to surrender without a fight.