Sanssouci Palace - the residence of King Frederick the Great, is also called the Prussian Versailles. It is a synthesis of artistic trends in European court and urban architecture of the XVIII century.
Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci), photo by Valerii Boldychev
The palace and park complex Sanssouci (Schloss Sanssouci) in Potsdam, consisting of a beautiful palace and a beautiful park with wonderful beauty, is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Germany. Due to its uniqueness, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.
Construction history
King Frederick II the Great appreciated the beauty of the area when, in 1743, traveling from Berlin to Potsdam, he drew attention to a picturesque hill and a beautiful view of the surrounding area from it. Then he came up with the idea to establish a royal summer residence here, where he could rest with his soul, retire with his thoughts, philosophize and make music.
Sanssouci Palace on the background of the Vine Terraces, photo blacky_hs
First, vineyard terraces appeared on the hillsides, and later in 1745 the construction of the palace began. Frederick II was directly involved in the design and construction. Many sketches were created by him personally, and finished projects must have been submitted for approval. The construction was led by a close friend of the king, the architect Georg Wenceslaus von Knobelsdorf.
Sanssouci Palace
Bacchus and Bacchante on the south-facing garden side of the palace, photo by John Spokes
Sanssouci Summer Palace is a long one-story building with an oval pavilion in the center, which is located on a hill. Its windows also serve as doors. In the center of the palace is the Marble Hall with a domed ceiling, in which a round hole is made, reminiscent of the "eye" in the Roman Pantheon, and columns supporting the cornice. The sculptures of the Marble Hall symbolize Astronomy, Music, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture.
A park
Mesh Pavilion, photo by thomas alan
Sanssouci Palace is surrounded by a park with ancient oaks, chestnuts, lindens. On the main avenue you can get to the rotunda with fountains and graceful sculptures that seemed to freeze in dance. The peace and greenery of the openwork arbors seem to invite you to spend time in silence and solitude. It is said that the great Voltaire himself liked to reflect in the silence of these arbors when he was visiting Sanssouci.
In the garden you can find the Grotto of Neptune, where in the center is a sculpture of the Lord of the Seas himself, surrounded by mollusks with water lilies.
Picture gallery
Near the summer palace is the Art Gallery, which is considered one of the oldest museums in Germany. The works of artists collected here are amazing. Frederick II personally bought paintings by Titian, Nicole Lancret, Jean-Baptiste Pater, Antoine Watteau. “Trinity” by Antonis Van Dyck, “Thomas the Unbeliever” by Caravaggio, “Four Evangelists” and “Saint Jerome” from the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens are also exhibited there.
Chinese tea house
Chinese Tea House, photo by R Igor
In the silence of the alley of the garden hid a miniature, graceful like a porcelain figurine, a Chinese tea house, which, as if by magic, appears before the eye.
Vine Terraces and Cherry Orchards
Terraces, photo Valerio_D
Magnificent grape terraces lead from the palace to the central fountain. In addition to the vineyards, a cherry orchard was also established in Sanssouci. Outlandish plants brought here that have taken root and feel great.
New palace
New Palace, photo by RThiele
When the Seven Years War ended in 1763, the construction of the New Palace began in Sanssouci, a luxurious three-story building that hosted lavish receptions and balls. Russian Emperor Nicholas I, whose wife was the sister of Frederick II, also liked to stay in Sanssouci.
Walking around Sanssouci, you involuntarily catch yourself thinking that such a beauty and splendor could only be created by people who are happy and in love with life. In Sanssouci, time flies by unnoticed, here you can endlessly enjoy peace and quiet, the splendor of nature and the amazing creations of human hands. Life here goes “without worries," because the name of the Sanssouci palace and park complex, known not only in Germany but throughout the world, is translated from French.
Facilities at Sanssouci Park
Charlottenhof Palace;
Orangery Palace;
New palace;
Picture gallery;
New chambers;
Grotto of Neptune;
Chinese tea house;
Temple of Friendship;
Antique temple;
Portal with an obelisk;
Ensemble of artificial ruins on Mount Ruinenberg;
Belvedere on Mount Klausberg;
House with dragons on the mountain Klausberg;
Roman baths;
Friedenskirche.
Sanssouci Palace Opening Hours
Open year round.
From April to October: VT-Sun 10:00 - 18:00;
November to March: VT-Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Mon day off.
Tickets
Full ticket - € 12;
preferential - € 8.
