Frederick the Great built Schloss Sansoucci—from the French for “without a care”—in the 1740’s as a royal hideaway from the stresses of managing his growing empire. The diminutive rococo palace has only eleven rooms, just enough for Frederick and his select companions. Visits by the royal entourage, especially his wife Elisabeth were expressly forbidden, in order that Frederick might relax and revive his spirits with poetry, music and philosophical musing. Voltaire himself was Frederick’s guest for over three years.

Today visitors can enjoy tours of Frederick’s finely appointed rooms, admire his collection of French 18th-century painting and examine the armchair in which Frederick himself muttered his final words at ripe old age of 74. Terraced gardens south of the palace supplied wine and rare fruits for the royal table and looking north one can spy the artificial ruins and Norman tower of Ruinenberg. Elsewhere in the surrounding park one can marvel at the Chinese House, wander through the rose gardens, or have a cup of tea at the Dragon Cafe.

The entire Sansoucci park is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site and is a favorite daytrip for Berliners looking to escape the stresses of the city and, like Frederick, feel like a king without cares.