Sanssouci

You are standing near one of the most personal places ever built for a Prussian king. Behind these terraced vineyards lies Sanssouci, a palace not designed for grandeur, but for retreat. Built in 1745 for Frederick the Great, Sanssouci translates to “without worries” in French an expression of the king’s desire to escape the rigid demands of court life in Berlin.

The palace was completed in just two years, reflecting its relatively modest size compared to other royal residences. Unlike grand palaces meant for show, Sanssouci was intimate, with just twelve rooms arranged in a row. Frederick was deeply involved in its design. He wanted a place for music, literature, and philosophical discussion often inviting Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire to stay. The vineyard terraces leading up to the palace were also his idea, integrating nature and architecture in harmony.

While many palaces were symbols of power, Sanssouci was about solitude. Even the king’s final wish was to be buried here, beside his beloved dogs, not in the royal crypt in Potsdam. This wish was finally honored in 1991, over two centuries after his death.