Berlin: The charm of royal Potsdam

Continuing in the royal/imperial spirit, we took a trip to Potsdam today. The town rose to fame when it became a royal seat and garrison town upon the creation of the kingdom of Prussia. Its glorious history of centuries past is tinted by the more recent history following the defeat of Nazi Germany. When the forces of anti-Hitler coalition swept into Germany from all sides, they decided to held a conference in the heart of Nazi power to show the world it was defeated. However, because of extensive bombardment of Berlin it was difficult to find a venue which can house and safeguard the most powerful leaders of the time. So they converged, appropriately, to the royal ground in Potsdam, where they debated how to divide Germany.

Of the many royal palaces in Potsdam, the one chosen for the conference was Schloss Cecilienhof. Here's Meg, imagining Churchill, Truman, or even Stalin, strolling around in this garden between the sessions at the conference.

The main courtyard at Cecilienhof still sports a red star made of roses - a reminder of it falling into the Russian zone.

The post WW2 history may be fascinating, but the historical importance of Cecilienhof can't compare with the majestic Sanssouci palace built in 1747. Its breathtaking cascading gardens are a trademark of the area. This picture took itself, I just happened to hold the camera.

Next to Sanssouci palace is Bildgalerie, built in 1764. It was the first art-gallery built specifically for that purpose in continental Europe. It still displays masterpieces by Rubens, Caravaggio, Van Dyck and others. Unfortunate thing is the glare from the windows opposite the paintings, which makes it difficult to enjoy the art.

After being slightly overwhelmed by the paintings, we had to check the town. Off we went through the Brandenbourg Gate - yes, they have their own gate. As a tour guide said, Potsdam had Brandenburg Gate much earlier than its suburb to the east, called Berlin. That dark speck in the middle of the gate is Meg waving.

From the gate cutting through the town is Brandenburger Strasse, crawling with tourists.

As a parting gift, here's one last look at the charming facades of historical downtown Potsdam.