I visited Potsdam, an ancient city near Berlin. It's famous for Prussia's Frederick the Great and Sanssouci Palace, a Rococo masterpiece.
It's also known as the site of the Potsdam Conference at the end of World war 2. Three leading countries, the U.S., U.K., and the Soviet Union, participated in the meeting and talked the plans of postwar peace.
Frederick the Great was an enlightened despot and the man who made Prussia a powerful nation. Sanssouci Palace was built in just two years, between 1745 and 1747, as the king's summer residence. The king himself participated in the construction.
Known as a representative example of Rococo architecture, its interior features asymmetrical curves and light, elegant expressions. Many works by the French painter Watteau are on display.
The palace's exterior is decorated with various sculptures. (See also the 2nd photo)
The gardens are beautiful. Terraced vineyards have been developed under the palace.(See also the top photo)
Frederick the Great was not only a skilled politician, diplomat, and military leader, but also a man of culture. After World War II, Andy Warhol painted a portrait of the king.
The king is also known as a man who encouraged cultivating potatoes
and developed the ceramics industry. I found his portrait in a KPM porcelain store
in Brandenburg Street.
Potsdam was part of East Germany during the Cold War, and its development lagged behind. Development progressed after German reunification. The station building is converted into a large commercial facility.
Brandenburg Street was lined with neat shops.
The Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference was held, was under renovation and closes. I was unable to visit there. It was a pity.
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