Interior view

In 1744, an artificially terraced vineyard was laid out with six curved terraces and a central flight of steps. King Frederick II chose this for his summer residence. The palace of Sanssouci, together with the extensive gardens, was laid out in accordance with plans by the architect Knobelsdorff, although Frederick himself made his own contribution, as surviving sketches indicate. A mere two years after starting work, fitting out of the interiors had already started under Knobelsdorff’s direction. Almost a century later the return wings were added.

The oval central section of the palace contains the principal rooms, including the domed Marble Hall with its coloured marble. Adjacent to it are the king’s living rooms, the music room and bedroom-cum-study. The circular library with cedar paneling and bronze ornament is like a precious gem. The rear courtyard is surrounded by colonnades.

The picture shows the Marble Hall.