Another Day, Another Experience

Potsdam is a state located to the north of the German capitol of Berlin. However, in Germany’s past Potsdam was the real locale for politics during the 18th and 19th centuries. During these times German politics were run under the hierarchy of Frederick the Great.

For today’s activity In Germany, our group traveled to Potsdam and toured the grounds and castles of this great Prussian leader. While the exact history of Frederick the Great is quite long it is his contribution to the arts that most German people remember him for.

Throughout the grounds of Frederick’s former land and dwelling you will find countless examples of artistic sculptures, paintings, architecture; the list goes on for quite a bit. However while we toured the castles I came across so many artistic designs and themes that I had never seen or even imagined would adorn the walls, ceilings, doors, and pretty much anything else you could imagine.

My favorite locations I saw on the location today were both rooms inside the “Nues Palais” or New Palace, and these rooms were right on top of each other. The room I was first introduced too, immediately after entering the palace was a “Grotto Room.” Everything in this room was related to the ocean. From floor to ceiling and fixture to décor everything seemed to feature real seashells or incorporated them into it. The floors were marble and the room overall was colored blue.

As nice as the “Grotto Room” was, the room located directly above it was incredible. This room was the central ballroom for the palace and included a two-story ceiling, marble floors and intricate designs in the walls with moldings and plaster. While on the tour we were not able to walk into the room, but could only glimpse at it through the doorway. However, still marveling in its beauty one can only be left to wonder how the room looked when it originally was constructed and used.

After learning about the castle and everything about how and when it was used it still amazes me to think of the kind of work and planning that went into providing for workers and royalty living during the time.