t The Rococo style façade on the garden side
A terraced vineyard creates a peaceful approach to Sanssouci Palace, the oldest building in the Park Sanssouci complex. Designed as an intimate royal hideaway, this miniature Rococo palace has captivated visitors for centuries.
t The Rococo style façade on the garden side
Beyond The Centre Schloss Sanssouci
t Schloss Sanssouci, an intimate royal summer residence
The name Sanssouci is French for “without a care” and gives a good indication of the flamboyant character of this enchanting Rococo palace, built in 1745. The original sketches, made by Friedrich II (Frederick the Great) himself, were finalized by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. The glorious interiors were designed by Knobelsdorff and Johann August Nahl. The king clearly loved this palace, as his final wishes were that he should be buried here, near the tomb of his Italian greyhounds. He was actually interred in the Garnisonkirche, Potsdam, but his wishes were eventually carried out in 1991.
The grand wings of the palace were built 63 years after the death of its most famous resident, Friedrich II.
GREAT VIEW
From the north side of the palace you can see some imposing ruins on the Ruinenberg Hill. They are completely artificial, built in the mid-18th century purely as a decoration.