As part of our Christmas Along the Elbe tour with Viking this past December, we found ourselves at the stunning “summer” palace of Frederic the Great located in Potsdam, Germany — Sanssouci. Saying it’s a lovely place or a stunning summer palace (which was really used year-round) is an understatement, for sure.
Built during the years of 1745 to 1747 as a private getaway for Frederick II (a King in Prussia from 1740-1772 and later King of Prussia from 1772 – 1786), the one-level Rococo structure became a respite from the stress of ruling, a place named for the French phrase sans souci — no worries.
Today, this “home away” for ruler Frederick the Great, a major military power in his time, is similar to a French maison de plaisance or house of pleasure. And for those of us fortunate enough to walk the grounds in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, Germany, and view the exterior, it is the picture of elegance, style, and enduring beauty.
From ornate columns, statues of people turning into nature, and a central domed room, the home seems balanced, strong, and stately.
This summer home is palatial even in its simplicity with its grand hillside view, gilded touches, elegant European style, and curved constructions from colonnades to domes. (That’s why we’re linking this post to this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #191: Curves.)
But it was our guide’s question at the end of the tour that caused us to pause and consider the longed-for visits to Sanssouci by Prussia’s leader.
She shared this sound alike with us: the term sans souci (meaning without worry) is pronounced similarly to cent souci (a hundred worries). And she asked us which we thought would have been on the leader’s mind as he retreated to this comfortable, yet elegant home — no worries or hundreds?
We have no idea what goes through a world leader’s mind, but we suspect the answer to this question is blurred: A retreat without worries is perhaps less common than one with many concerns no matter how elegant and relaxing the surroundings are.
We’d love to know what you think as well.
So, visit Sanssouci if you are near Potsdam, Germany, for a glimpse at a summer place to remember. And for more entries bearing curvy photos, be sure to check out this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge by Ann Christine.
Until then, here’s to travel — sans souci, of course!
Rusha & Bert
Amy
Enjoyed the tour of this magnificent place through your lens! The details are incredible.
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love a return in spring or fall! But it was lovely even in the dead of winter!!!!
Bama
That’s a very intriguing question! It may sound counter-intuitive, but I think people who build a mansion or a palace with the idea of it giving them no worry or peace of mind are actually the ones who have so many things to worry about in their minds. Those who really have no worry will just stay where they are, I guess.
Oh, the Places We See
Probably none of us can ever completely stop worrying about something! Thanks for taking a look and commenting.
Tina Schell
An excellent choice for the week Rusha. I’m always amazed at the amount of money spent on places like these in the days when many commoners were starving! I suppose we have examples these days with the Russian oligarchs and of course our own zillionaires as well. But I digress! I am certain that the name was meant for without worries or it would have been spelled differently. Also because it was his getaway from everyday worries of ruling. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Oh, the Places We See
I, too, am amazed at the residences of the wealthy, but they are beautiful to visit at home and abroad. Frederick the Great probably did go there to ease his burdens, but I thought the tour guide’s ability to pick up on two words that are pronounced the same but mean quite different things was an interesting point. And, if truth be told, a caring leader probably never has “no worries”! He/She is always wondering how to solve something! Thanks for taking a look.
Feel My Lyric
visit my bog at: https://adhitisudhakar.wordpress.com/
Feel My Lyric
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Feel My Lyric
loved your blog’s title!! your photography rocks!! waiting for more:))
Oh, the Places We See
Well, aren’t you nice to say so! Glad you dropped in to see this post. Hope you’ll be back!
Leya
Beautiful! I love all your curves, and especially the ornate columns with people turning into nature. And I love yellow…and understand if you wanted to see it all in summer dress as well!
Oh, the Places We See
Would love to return in the summer to see the gardens and the fountains. But I still have good memories nonetheless. Thanks for your note.
Leya
I’d love to go as well!
maristravels
Fabulous and a new place and person you’ve introduced me to (grammar could be better there but, hey ho)!
Oh, the Places We See
It’s an interesting place. I would have loved a tour indoors, too.
JohnRH
Interesting place. I was there around 2013. Nice gardens too.
Oh, the Places We See
I wish we could have seen those gardens in spring or summer. Would have been a great addition to the tour. Thanks for commenting, John.
Prior...
quite a stunning place – and I read your comment so sue about preferring to see this in summer – but it looks like there is much to enjoy anytime of the year
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right. It may have been better for photographing with fewer people around. It’s a marvelous place to see!
Prior...
🙂
cindy knoke
Gorgeous! You must have loved The Christmas Markets. I miss them.
Oh, the Places We See
Many markets were closed due to Covid, but the open ones were splendid. So much to see. And gluhwein to drink!
Toonsarah
It does indeed look stunning! I love all the building details, like that gold ‘sun with a face’ 😀 I have no idea how many worries he would have had but I would be amazed if he were ever totally without them!
Oh, the Places We See
I agree! I could never be a leader of a country. Too many worries!!!!
Nemorino
My last bit of travel before the coronavirus pandemic was to Lübeck, in northern Germany, where I saw a seldom-performed opera called Montezuma from the year 1755, with music by Carl Heinrich Graun to a text by none other than Friedrich II aka Friedrich the Great. https://operasandcycling.com/montezuma-in-lubeck/
Oh, the Places We See
How interesting. He must have been an interesting leader. From what I’ve read, he was interested in art at an early age. And as an adult, he was a leader to be feared. Thanks for the link. I need more info on this interesting person.
Sue
Aaah, Sans Souci….I went there in 1993….have sadly lost some images, so this post was great to see 😊
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Sue. So glad you enjoyed seeing my photos and reliving your trip. I’m glad we stopped there, but I would have preferred seeing it in the summer. So pretty.
Sue
😊😊