Where: Potsdam, Germany
When: August 5, 2013
With: Dave
When thinking back through European history and the notable monarchs that lived, I think of a gluttonous Henry VIII going about chopping off the heads of his six wives. I think of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in their white powdered wigs eating cake in their palace at Versailles. However, I never think of a German king. Can you even name a German king? I know I couldn't.
The German monarchy was only abolished with the end of World War I. Perhaps as the last century of events in Germany majorly overshadow the country's reputation, I knew very little about this fairly recent monarchy and definitely don't envision the same image of decadence as I do with its European peers. However, upon our first introduction to the lifestyle of German royalty in the small town of Potsdam, we learned that these kings were keeping right up with the silk-slippered toes of their British and French neighbors.
Potsdam is only 15 miles from Berlin's city center, but feels like it's worlds away. The European-city-feel that was nearly non-existent in Berlin hit us immediately upon entering the town. Small, pedestrian walkways fill the town center, lined with shops and flanked all around with gorgeous, medieval structures. It even has its own mini-Brandenburg Gate.
When: August 5, 2013
With: Dave
When thinking back through European history and the notable monarchs that lived, I think of a gluttonous Henry VIII going about chopping off the heads of his six wives. I think of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in their white powdered wigs eating cake in their palace at Versailles. However, I never think of a German king. Can you even name a German king? I know I couldn't.
The German monarchy was only abolished with the end of World War I. Perhaps as the last century of events in Germany majorly overshadow the country's reputation, I knew very little about this fairly recent monarchy and definitely don't envision the same image of decadence as I do with its European peers. However, upon our first introduction to the lifestyle of German royalty in the small town of Potsdam, we learned that these kings were keeping right up with the silk-slippered toes of their British and French neighbors.
Potsdam is only 15 miles from Berlin's city center, but feels like it's worlds away. The European-city-feel that was nearly non-existent in Berlin hit us immediately upon entering the town. Small, pedestrian walkways fill the town center, lined with shops and flanked all around with gorgeous, medieval structures. It even has its own mini-Brandenburg Gate.
While Potsdam flourished as a market town and a center of European immigration for years, its true fame came when it was named the official hunting grounds of Frederick William I, Elector of Brandenburg, the future kingdom of Prussia. Eventually, the Prussian royal family chose this town as their permanent residence, and Potsdam essentially became the "Windsor" of Germany.
The majority of the royal buildings sit within Sanssouci Park, a huge green oasis just outside the town center. One 3-mile-long avenue stretches through the middle of the park and allows you to visit all the palaces along the way.
The main attraction of the park is the Sans Souci Palace. Built by King Frederick the Great in 1747 as a summer getaway, he intended it to be a place of relaxation rather than work. His desired theme of decadence and enjoyment is evident throughout the design of the entire structure, including its name, Sans Souci, which translates to "without cares" in French.
The shot above is a bit misleading. When walking through the center of the park, you actually walk past Sans Souci, rather than towards it, causing it to kind of sneak up on you. It is also hard to capture a photo of it without a helicopter as the building is only a one story villa, sitting on several tiers of vineyards (sort of like the best wedding cake ever). As you climb the stairs, the top is always just peeking out at you.
A large courtyard including a fountain and several Greek statues sit in front of the palace.
Finally at the top! The palace is sadly closed on Mondays, so we were only able to marvel from the outside. Up close, we studied the intricate decor that is considered one of the best examples of Rococo architecture in Europe. Rococo is defined as ornate, pastel, asymmetrical, and curvy. Check.
We wandered around the exterior of the building, through the various arches and pathways that surrounded it.
Continuing our way through the park, we explored the several random structures hidden throughout. A windmill. A "Chinese House". And the Temple of Friendship, built in honor of the king's favorite sister.
All of the gardens were stunning. Sectioned off by trees and oversized ivy tunnels, they were organised but wild all in one.
At points, the pathways wove through just an endless amount of trees, and if it weren't for the occassional Greek statue, you'd forget you were on palace grounds and think you were in the middle of nowhere.
At the other end of the park sits the incredibly creatively named New Palace because...well Frederick the Great built it after he built Sans Souci. So it was newer. Genius. This palace was like his "office", meant to be more formal than his beloved Sans Souci, but also much grander. This is where he'd host large events and important dignitaries that came to stay with him.
This palace definitely had more of the "wow" factor upon approaching it.
Despite wandering the park for a few hours, we had only scratched the surface of what was hidden here. It was just so big and there was still so much ground to cover, but alas, it was time to hit the road. On that hot, sunny day, it was clear why this made the ideal location for a carefree residence for the royals. It also seared into our memories that the German monarchs knew how to live it up and enjoy the finer things in life.
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