Sanssouci Palace | Construction and architecture

In the article you will receive information on the construction, construction and architecture of Sanssouci Palace in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam.

Baroque style castle on a vineyard

After Frederick the Great had the mountain terraced in 1744, wine was grown there. On top of the vineyard, he had the castle built in the Baroque style. The vineyard terraces have been preserved.

Sanssouci Palace was built from 1745-1747 based on ideas by King Friedrich II and plans by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff and is the center and highlight of the entire park.

Friedrich and Knobelsdorf were in a violent argument before the construction. Because the master builder wanted to build a cellar under the castle, but Friedrich did not. For this purpose, the castle should be built at ground level. Knobelsdorf bowed to Friedrich and so the castle was built according to his wishes. It was inaugurated on May 1, 1747 by Friedrich II with a banquet.

Construction and architecture of Sanssouci Palace

Sanssouci Palace is a one-storey, elongated palace. Originally it was only intended as a summer palace, but Frederick II spent most of the year there. The castle was built according to a model of a French “Maison de plaisance”.

The famous garden facade, which is often used as a photo motif and faces south, is crowned by a domed central building. The garden facade is decorated with 36 sandstone heaters by Friedrich Christian Glume d. J. decorated. The courtyard connects to the north with a two-armed colonnade.

Sanssouci Palace was expanded in 1841 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. With a western wing for ladies and an east wing for kitchen and wine cellar.

You can find information on the interior of Sanssouci Palace here.