Potsdam

Glienicke Palace

While the last pearl had already tarnished somewhat, things now take a completely different turn. We enter Glienicke Park and, as is so often the case in the palaces in and around Potsdam, we suddenly find ourselves in a completely different realm. The first surprise is the entrance gate to the park with its two golden griffins and the Knights of St. John’s Cross, referring to the most influential owner and Master of the Order, the third son of the beautiful Louise, Prince Carl of Prussia, whom we already know. Long before he became fascinated by the Alpine air, he had traveled south and was gripped by a passion for Italy, just like his brother, the future King Frederick William IV. The Glienicke estate, already redesigned several times by previous owners and currently up for sale, seemed suitable to Prince Carl for a summer residence. Schinkel and Persius were engaged for the new construction and remodelling, and Lenné for the garden design. The prince’s passion for ancient art treasures is also evident in the many architectural relics attached to the buildings, which he had brought with him from the south. The monastery courtyard is even constructed from parts of a medieval monastery that was demolished in Venice. Walking through the park, you will come across golden lions, pavilions, and an almost thousand-year-old lime tree. Unfortunately, the castle is no longer open to visitors.