Berlin

A hidden 18th century masterpiece

A grand neoclassical forecourt in Berlin's mid-town Luisenstrasse leads to a leafy, hidden campus of the city's Humboldt University.

The River Panke flows through the grounds, which are surrounded by a cluster of buildings in various architectural styles - all worth discovering, although the undisputed highlight is the Veterinary School's wonderful Anatomical Theatre, dating from 1790.

A wealth of period detail in the newly restored Anatomical Theatre, Humboldt University Berlin

Beautiful 18th century interior in the Anatomical Theatre, berlin

The veterinary anatomical theatre, berlin

Designed by architect Carl Gotthard Langhans, (who also created the Brandenburg Gate) the auditorium is the oldest academic facility in Berlin and certainly one of its loveliest.

Recently restored and now open to the public, its classically proportioned, amphitheatre-like interior is offset by finely sculpted details such as horned animal skulls - a fitting reminder of its original function.

While visiting the 'Tieranatomisches Theater', take time, too, to mooch around the campus grounds, where various other notable buildings are hidden away in this secret Berlin enclave.

Veterinary anatomical theatre: Luisenstraße 56, 10117 Berlin. Tues-Sat, 2pm-6pm