Although Berlin has plenty of tourist attractions, you could consider going on a day trip, as there are many wonderful towns within a 100 km range from Berlin that you can easily reach by train or by car.
I decided to see Potsdam, a charming town at just a heartbeat away from Berlin, known for its historical importance and vivid landscapes.
Potsdam and its place in history
This is the place where the triumphant powers of World War II met in the summer of 1945, at Cecilienhof Palace, for the Potsdam Conference. On that occasion, Stalin, Winston Churchill and Harry Truman settled the principles of postwar order, marking the beginning of a new era.
The history of Potsdam is also connected to the King of Prussia - Emperor Frederick the Great, as you'll read below.
What to see in Potsdam
Cecilienhof Palace
Cecilienhof Palace, the gathering place for the Potsdam Conference in 1945, has been built from 1914 to 1917 for Prince Wilhelm and his wife, Cecilie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Today, most of the rooms where the Potsdam Conference took place may be visited by tourists.
Source: Wikipedia.com
Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace has been built in Rococo style for Emperor Frederick the Great between 1745 and 1747, in order to fulfill the Emperor’s need for a private mansion where he could relax during summertime.
The name of the palace comes from the French phrase "sans souci", meaning "without worries". Clearly, the name has been chosen in order to emphasize the fact that this was a place suitable for leisure and not so much for solving political matters.
As a tribute to its historical importance and imposing beauty, Sanssouci and its beautiful gardens became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
New Palace (Neues Palais)
In contrast with the rather modest, yet colorful appearance of the Sanssouci Palace, Neues Palace is an opulent construction. This palace has been built in Baroque style at the order of the same Frederick the Great, to mark the celebration of Prussia’s victory in the Seven Years' War.
The Emperor wanted this palace to be a reception avenue for the important banquets and parties during his reign and the design of the palace is an obvious proof of this desire. Neues Palace is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take the guided tour and admire the most astonishing room in the Palace - Grotto Hall, placed on the ground floor, with its impressive walls ceiled with shells, semi-precious stones and marble.
Source: pinterest.com
St. Nicholas Church
This impressive church with its turquoise dome is located in Potsdam’s Old Market Square and is visible from almost every point of the town. Though it has suffered great damages during World War II, St. Nicholas Church has regained its imposing look and has been reopened to the public in 1981.
Where to eat
When in Potsdam, have a juicy steak at El Baron Steakhouse (https://el-baron-steakhaus-restaurante.business.site/), placed very conveniently near the town center. I had a wonderful lunch here and I surely recommend this restaurant for lunch or dinner.
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