Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Potsdam's Schloss Sanssouci

Schloss Sanssouci or Sanssouci Palace was built as Friedrich the Great's (King Friedrich II) summer palace designed by architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff.  The palace was named sans souci meaning "without care" which evinces the King's need to escape the pressures of royal life. The beautiful palace is located at the other end of Sanssouci Park. Built from 1763 to 1769 it is considered to be the last great Prussian baroque palace. (Source here)

Although we didn't visit the interior of Sanssouci Palace, I really enjoyed walking around the palace grounds and gardens.

It was a hot and humid day and people were stopping at this fountain to cool off or just splash themselves with water.

There are statues like this on the palace grounds.



A photo of the palace with the windmill on the left.

A statue at the tomb of King Friedrich.

Potatoes on King Friedrich's tomb. Our guide told us that King Friedrich introduced new crops such as potatoes and turnips to help the population. These days, people offer potatoes to thank the King.

This is the garden facade. I love the decorations. I remember one of the visitors asking if they meant anything, and our tour guide said they're merely decorations.

If I'm not mistaken, these are grapevines. I can only imagine if they'd all be bearing fruits soon.

 The Great Fountain and Terraced Gardens - the 700 acres park around the palace is made of themed gardens adorned with statues and fountains, the largest of them, the Große Fontäne. (Source)

A historic windmill stands tall and watches over the the Sanssouci Palace since 1738.

 The Orangery Palace.

Sansoucci gave me a feeling of rest and relaxation. The palace is beautifully located, carefully planned and meant to exude the feeling of carefreeness. During my visit, I felt distant from the hustle bustle of every day life. Perhaps even in these modern times, the palace still lives up to its name "without care." Simply a wonderful place to be just "be."

8 comments:

  1. I love that french phrase a lot.

    is the palace still in use today. these are the sights that is so lacking in american landscape, isn't it.

    is this also in germany?

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  2. @ Anonymous, Thank you.

    @ Photo Cache, Yes, this is one thing we don't see much here in the US. This is still in Germany, and like you, I thought the name is so catchy and very smooth to say.

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  3. It looks so lovely and peaceful. I love palaces like that with their lovely rambling gardens. SO beautiful.

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  4. I like the idea of putting potatoes on the King's grave to pay him homage. At least they last longer than flowers!

    I wonder what the German word for "care-free" is. It is interesting that they chose a French word for a palace in Germany. Perhaps it sounds much better en francais? hehe :D

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  5. love the fountains and the windmill! ganda!

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  6. Beautiful! I wish I can travel as much as you :) Btw, not sure why but I find "Potsdam" such a funny sounding word :P

    Love that windmill photo :)

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  7. love the gazebo with the elaborate sun! and who knew there lived a potato king? :)

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