Rheinsberg Palace (Königliche Schlösser in Berlin, Potsdam und Brandenburg)

Set in a wide landscape of lakes and forests, Rheinsberg Castle in Ruppin District impressively exemplifies architecture in harmony with a superb natural setting. The castle documents manifold sweeping architectural changes wrought in the 18th century. Originally a Renaissance castle, Rheinsberg was rebuilt as a structure with three tracts for Frederick the Great while he was still crown prince. In his designs for the façades as well as the interior at Rheinsberg, the architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff anticipated later developments that would be known to art historians as Frederician Rococo. Hence Rheinsberg would provide a prime source of inspiration for planning Sanssouci Palace. In 1740, Prince Heinrich of Prussia, younger brother of Frederick the Great, issued orders for a Court of the Muses to be added to Rheinsberg, which is early Neo-Classical in spirit and spatial conception. The art guide subtly highlights the originality of this gem of Brandenburg architecture.