Schloss Charlottenhof

Schloss Charlottenhof Review

Schloss Charlottenhof is in the southern part of Sanssouci Park, an expansive, landscaped promenade with fountains, streams, manicured gardents, and wide walkways as well as some hidden paths. After Frederick the Great died in 1786, the ambitious Sanssouci building program ground to a halt, and the park fell into neglect. It was 50 years before another Prussian king, Friedrich Wilhelm IV, restored Sanssouci's earlier glory. He engaged the great Berlin architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel to build this small palace for the crown prince. Schinkel's demure interiors are preserved, and the most fanciful room is the bedroom, decorated like a Roman tent, with its walls and ceiling draped in striped canvas. Between the Sanssouci palaces are later additions to the park.

Römische Bäder. Friedrich Wilhelm IV built the Römische Bäder (Roman Baths), also designed by Schinkel, from 1829 to 1840. Like many of the other structures in Potsdam, this one is more romantic than authentic. Half Italian villa, half Greek temple, the structure is nevertheless a charming addition to the park. €3 with exhibit. May-Oct., Tues.-Sun. 10-5.

Orangerieschloss und Turm. The Orangerieschloss und Turm was completed in 1864; its two massive towers linked by a colonnade evoke an Italian Renaissance palace. Today it houses 47 copies of paintings by Raphael. Guided tour €3, tower only €2. Palace and tower mid-May-mid-Oct., Tues.-Sun. 10-5; tower opens Apr., only weekends 10-5.

Chinesisches Teehaus. The Chinesisches Teehaus was erected in 1757 in the Chinese style that was all the rage at the time. It houses porcelain from Meissen and Asia. €1. May-Oct., Tues.-Sun. 10-5.

Friedenskirche. Completed in 1848, the Italianate Friedenskirche houses a 12th-century Byzantine mosaic taken from an island near Venice. 0331/974-009. Free. Late Mar.-Apr. and 1st 2 wks in Oct., Mon.-Sat. 12-5, Sun. 11-5; May-Sept., Mon.-Sat. 12-6, Sun. 10-6.