The fortress Spandau Citadel is old, but the Julius Tower is even older. In fact, it is Berlin's oldest building.
Built in the early 13th century, it was originally a lookout tower guarding the border of the Brandenburg Margraviate, which at the time was marked by river Havel.
In the 16th century, after Berlin became the capital of the the Margraviate, Spandau Citadel was built as one of the major fortifications defending the city. The Tower was incorporated into the design of the fortress.
Aftre the War of 1870/71, France was condemned to pay a reparation of $1.3 billion. 1,200 crates filled with gold coins, called the Imperial War Chest, were stored in the Julius Tower until 1914.
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