Welcome to the picturesque city of Potsdam, where the echoes of British royalty resonate amidst a backdrop of palatial splendor and historical intrigue. Join local Potsdam tour guide Matti, as he unravels the threads of British influence woven into the fabric of this charming city along the banks of the River Havel.
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Discovering Potsdam: A Haven of Royalty
Nestled just outside Berlin, Potsdam beckons with its regal allure, reminiscent of a historical theme park brimming with architectural wonders. Once the favored retreat of Prussian monarchs and German emperors, Potsdam exudes the elegance of the Age of Enlightenment, offering a sprawling landscape dotted with lakes and steeped in royal legacy. But why does this city boast several English-style palaces? Let’s delve deeper.
The Mini-Windsor of Potsdam: Babelsberg Palace
Step into Babelsberg Palace, an enchanting English-style castle that echoes the grandeur of Windsor Castle in England. Commissioned by German Emperor Wilhelm I and his wife Augusta, this Tudor masterpiece stands as a testament to their affinity for liberal Britain. Augusta’s vision of a “little Windsor” in Potsdam manifested in the castle’s ornate design and sprawling landscape gardens, symbolizing a union of Prussian and British sensibilities. Augusta was especially fond of Britain and always hoped for Germany to become a liberal constitutional monarchy. Plus, the couple had spent some time at the British court of Victoria and Albert after they briefly went into exile after the failed revolution of 1848.
Victoria, Princess Royal, and Krongut Bornstedt
It was during this time in exile that their son, Crown Prince Frederick met Victoria’s and Albert’s daughter Victoria, Princess Royal, whose fateful encounter at the Great Exhibition kindled a timeless bond. Despite societal scrutiny and geopolitical complexities, their union flourished, symbolizing a convergence of British and Prussian royalty. In 1863, Victoria and Frederick purchased a cottage north of Sanssouci Palace for their children, aiming to recreate the ambiance of Osborne House. Following her husband’s passing, Victoria continued to reside in Krongut Bornstedt until her own demise in 1901. This enduring connection led to a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in November 2004. She also visited the Church of Peace inside Sanssouci Garden, as this is where Princess Victoria is buried.
The Tudor Palace: Cecilienhof
Venture north to Cecilienhof Palace, a stunning Tudor-style mansion commissioned by Crown Prince Wilhelm and Crown Princess Cecilie. Inspired by the architecture of medieval England, Cecilienhof Palace served as the backdrop for the historic Potsdam Conference of 1945, where world leaders (including Churchill) convened to shape the post-World War II landscape. This architectural gem stands as a testament to Anglo-German relations and the enduring legacy of Queen Victoria’s lineage. Crown Prince Wilhelm was her great grandson after all.
How there was almost even more British influence: The Legacy of the House of Hanover
In the year 1701, the British Parliament enacts the Act of Settlement, stipulating that only Protestants are eligible to ascend to the esteemed positions of king or queen of Britain. Enter George of Hanover, next in line for the throne as a Protestant. This historical narrative, however, intersects with the realm of Potsdam due to George’s sister, Sophie Charlotte. By the time George ascends the British throne, Sophie Charlotte had become the queen consort of Prussia through her marriage to King Frederick I. The royal couple develops a fondness for Potsdam, particularly their newly acquired summer residence, the city palace.
Sophie Charlotte and Frederick I’s lineage gives rise to a son, later known as the Soldier King, who also marries into the House of Hanover by wedding King George’s only daughter (that’s right – his cousin). Their eldest son, in turn, ascends to become the most renowned king of Prussia, Frederick the Great. And his mother harbors ambitious aspirations for royal alliances, envisioning a marriage between her son and her brother Georg II’s daughter to sustain the connections between Great Britain, Hanover, and Prussia. However, these plans are thwarted by intricate political dynamics and familial considerations.
A Touch of Scottish Flair: The Nauener Tor
Still – Frederick the Great also built one British-style building in Potsdam: the Nauener Tor, the very first example of British Gothic Revival architecture in Continental Europe. Built in 1755, this city gate reflects the burgeoning influence of British design, drawing inspiration from landmarks like Inveraray Castle in Scotland. It stands as a testament to Potsdam’s eclectic architectural tapestry and its enduring ties to British aesthetics.
Tour Potsdam with Matti
