Almost every person to have visited Berlin will agree—once you have experienced its charming spell, the rendezvous with this endearing city never ends. Potsdam, the border city of Berlin and the capital of Brandenburg is studded with gems for every history and culture fanatic. From lush gardens to the WWII sites and grand palaces, this World Heritage City makes for the perfect weekend away from Berlin, and even Frederick the Great would agree. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Sanssouci Palace
The most important place to visit in Potsdam is the Sanssouci Palace, the royal summer getaway of Frederick the Great. Even the name of this colossal palace suggests its purpose, as Sanssouci means ‘without cares’. However, if you are thinking of a grand structure, don’t be mistaken, for this is a humble building with just a floor, perched atop a terraced vineyard in the middle of an expansive park. While this Rococo period-style structure, with its carved marble and stuccowork might imply otherwise, the purpose of the place was solely comfort. Inside, the Marmorsaal (marble hall) is one helluva spectacle.
2. New Garden
Science says that being around greenery and having abundant trees in site immediately makes you feel better and uplifts your mood. Potsdam took that cue and invested in its gardens very seriously. The New Garden, spanning over 100 acres, is situated to the east of the Sanssouci and on the shores of the Heiliger See.
3. Filmpark Babelsberg
Who said history is only preserved in museums and palaces? One tour of Filmpark Babelsberg, the oldest and perhaps one of the biggest film studios is testimony to the fact that we can indeed time travel. Germany’s golden days of film and the age of the Metropolis are carefully sheltered here along with some of the best German productions. A few 21st-century masterpieces like Valkyrie, V for Vendetta, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Inglourious Basterds among a few more, were also shot here.
4. Alexandrowka
From a brief red Army occupancy to a small Russian colony following WWII, Alexandrowka is the showcase of Russian influence in Potsadam. This small colony of just over a dozen quaint houses was built as a gesture of the good relations between Germany and Russia, following the traditional architectural styles.
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