Without a care - that is the German translation of Sanssouci. Architect Georg W. von Knobelsdorff took this leitmotif into account when planning the palace, which he built from 1745 to 1747 according to the specifications of Prussian King Frederick II. Old Fritz usually spent the summer months in the tranquil rococo palace until he died there in 1786.
Almost 100 years after the summer palace was built, Frederick William IV had several extensions made to provide adequate accommodation for his court. Under the architect Ferdinand von Arnim, the side wings were completely renovated and extended. Wilhelm I was no longer interested in living in the palace with its striking vineyard terraces. He had it converted into a museum from 1873. Parts of the ""Prussian Versailles"" are still open to the public today, including the tomb of its builder Frederick II. It was Old Fritz's will in his will to be buried in Sanssouci. However, this wish was not fulfilled until 1991 - the 205th anniversary of his death.
