1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

Touring Castles - Visiting the Home of Prussia's King Frederick the Great

05:27

This browser does not support the video element.

Marcus SchlenchSeptember 4, 2011

January 24th, 2012, marks Frederick the Great's 300th birthday. The legendary Prussian monarch commissioned remarkable architecture that still shapes Berlin and Brandenburg today. Many buildings have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Frederick's happiest days were spent as crowned prince in Rheinsberg. Miles away from his father's watchful eye in Berlin, he spent his time philosophizing about the world and playing music. Today, the castle on the lake in Rheinsberg still captures the spirit of Frederick's youth and curiosity. Frederick ascended to the throne in 1740. From that point on, he started Berlin's transformation from a small royal residence into a European metropolis. On Berlin's famous Unter den Linden boulevard, buildings like the state opera, Humboldt University and St. Hedwig's Cathedral still stand as testaments to the Prussian leader's vision. He also expanded Charlottenburg Palace, where the floors in the residency’s new wing pay tribute to the Rococo style of Frederick's time. In 1743, Frederick shifted his focus to Potsdam. His sketches and ideas gave life to Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace and many other royal structures that are major attractions in Potsdam today. The king's body has been buried in Sanssouci - his favorite residence - since 1991.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW