The German Versailles

Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam

Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam, 2026 (photos: Annette Rubery).

We went to Berlin over Easter, and while we were there we thought it would be interesting to pop over to Potsdam to see Frederick the Great’s palace. The name ‘Sanssouci’ or ‘without care’ is an indication that it was not intended to be a formal residence (in fact, you can also visit the Neues Palace up the road, which Frederick used for impressing visitors). No, Sanssouci was a pleasure palace which the Prussian monarch used during spring and summer as a retreat and intimate space for entertaining.

It was built between 1745 and 1747, on a somewhat windy hill where vines were planted (and still have to be protected from the weather). Although the building could be called modest - just one story and ten rooms - the decoration inside is stunning. I could see why it has been nicknamed ‘the German Versailles’.

While the Palace’s north side is sober and classical in style, on the south side you can find a playful, Rococo style of decoration.

The south side of Sanssouci includes figures playfully supporting the dome.

View from the fountain shows that Sanssouci is a low-lying, single-storey villa. The hill is planted with vines (here shuttered against the wind).

Frederick himself was an admirer of the French, hence the Rococo style - to be honest I think the interiors must be the best outside of France (although I haven’t seen the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich - let me know if you have!)

A handful of my photos are below - there were lots of amusing details, including the gilded cobweb on the ceiling of the music room.

Trompe-l'œil ceiling showing putti and the zodiac, as if carved from wood.

Explosion of Rococo gilding and mirrors in the music room (Frederick’s flute is in the display case).

Playful ceiling detail: a spider’s web.

The Marble Hall.

Putti decorate The Marble Hall’s decor - one has dropped his swag. Oops!

The bedroom (where Voltaire stayed) has an intricate porcelain chandelier and animals and flowers on the walls.

We also had time to stroll about the park, which could take up most of your day, even without seeing Sansouci and the Neues Palace. The Chinese House is a particularly amazing Rococo confection - we weren’t allowed inside, but as you can see, the exterior gives you plenty to look at, including some wacky Corinthian capitals which look like palm trees.

Finally, don’t miss Frederick’s grave. It’s a simple one, right by Sanssouci, where he was buried (as per his request) alongside his dogs. You will find that Frederick - known as the Kartoffelkönig - is commemorated by daily offerings of potatoes!

The Chinese House in the park at Sanssouci.

Inventive corinthian capitals which looks like palm trees.

No time to visit the Neues Palace - but its servants’ quarters reminded us of Castle Howard!

Frederick the Great is buried here in the grounds of Sanssouci - people leave potatoes because he is said to have introduced the spud into German cuisine.