After World War II, many of the historic sites in the city were torn down and functional East German buildings were erected in their places. The city is presently undergoing major reconstruction and renovation as seen in the picture to the left. The Schloss Sanssouci is one of the most famous buildings in Potsdam. Built by Frederic the Great in the mid-eighteenth century, it served as his summer palace. The park surrounding the castle is beautifully landscaped and includes the Chinese Teahouse and several fountains.
Visitors are free to roam the forest paths which provide unexpected vistas of the castle.
The view from the front of the castle is shown at right. Following a tour of the Sanssouci Park, members of the group walked back to the train station by way of the old city of Potsdam.