Each monarch or ruler tried to surpass his predecessor. So it was in Ancient Egypt, when monuments were erected, and in the Middle Ages in Europe and Russia, when emperors tried to conquer more, build more cities, build the richest palace or residence. This fate did not bypass Germany under King Frederick the Great. Sanssouci vineyards originally appeared on the Bornsted hills. And then the palace and all other buildings were already built.
The History of Gardens
Potsdam was based on swampy soil, and King Friedrich needed materials to strengthen the soil. He ordered the oaks to be cut down on the Bornsted Hills. Instead of trees, vineyards were broken in 1744. In 1745, a decorative garden with a large fountain was laid under the hill. In the same year, construction began on the palace, or, as the king called it, a small vineyard house. After completion of the construction of the main structures, they began to develop the surroundings and build them up. So there was the Sanssouci Palace Park.
It should be said that Frederick the Great had ascetic inclinations and a peculiar taste. The first forced him to check every item of expenditure and avoid excesses. The second is not to recognize fashion trends. Buildings were carried out in the Rococo style, while in Europe classicism already prevailed.
Little wine house
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam was conceived not only as a private residence. Women were not allowed into the house, including the king’s spouse. In general, the architecture is very thought out and tied to the area. To the right of the building is the Picture Gallery, and to the left are the New Chambers. The palace has no basement. This innovation (or rather the desire of the monarch) allowed immediately to get into the garden, without wasting time on tedious transitions on the stairs and galleries. By the standards of the time, the palace was small - it had only a few halls and guest rooms. Sanssouci Palace perfectly embodied the desire of Frederick the Great to have a summer residence and at the same time not violate the beauty of the surrounding nature.
In memory of the architectural creation in the Czech Republic there is a hotel of the same name. It is located in the spa area of Karlovy Vary. Hotel "Sanssouci" outwardly does not resemble an old residence. Royal luxury can only be judged by internal amenities and services.
Park near Sanssouci Palace
The palace park was also carefully thought out by Frederick the Great, as was the residence itself. In the vicinity of the vineyards there was a decorative garden consisting of lawns, flower beds and tree plantings. Fruit plantings were broken, greenhouses were built to grow exotic fruits. The total area of the park is 290 hectares, the length of all alleys and paths is 70 kilometers. Sanssouci Palace Park is rightfully considered the largest monument of architectural and garden art in Brandenburg.
At the top of the hill, artificial ruins and a fountain were created to feed the vineyards with water. However, the masters were mistaken in the calculations, and the water pressure was not enough for the intended purpose. In addition, the park erected buildings that make up today its architectural ensemble. These are the Grotto of Neptune, the New Palace, the Tea House, the Antique Temple, the Temple of Friendship, the Dragon House, the Art Gallery and many others.
The Windmill complements the picture , which brings the residence closer to the style of the countryside. In it you can not only enjoy the beautiful view, but also learn about the technology of making bread. The most noteworthy in the tea house park. However, the external decoration is much more interesting than the internal. Gardening enthusiasts will be interested in the Marley Garden.
Sanssouci today
Today, the palace and the park are open for tourists. Attendants are trying to preserve all natural and architectural objects in their original form. Pictures from the gallery periodically undergo restoration. There is a gradual restoration in the park, starting in 1964. Thanks to this care, all parts of Sanssouci are open to visitors all year round.
Tourist info
Getting to the palace and the park is easy, especially if tourists have already arrived in Germany. Sanssouci, as already mentioned, is located near Potsdam, 20 km from the capital. From Berlin there are regular buses. It can also be reached by train.
Visiting the park, the palace and all objects on its territory is paid. You can pay only for visits to individual buildings or purchase a premium subscription. You can get into the palace building itself only if you join the tour. Tours are also paid and are conducted in various languages. At different times of the year, the cost of visits is also different. But photographing is possible only with a special permit, for which it is necessary to pay a fee. But despite this, the Sanssouci ensemble is worthy of admiration and a return visit.