Neptune Grotto

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Neptune Grotto, 2019 Neptungrotte, Park Sanssouci, Potsdam-7510.jpg
Neptune Grotto, 2019
Neptune Grotto, 2009 Neptune Grotto in Sanssouci Park Germany 06-08-2009.jpg
Neptune Grotto, 2009

The Neptune Grotto (German: Neptungrotte) close to the Obelisk entrance in Sanssouci Park, Potsdam, was created by Frederick the Great between 1751 and 1757 [1] to beautify the park.

Built following plans by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff it arose as a representation of the revived interest in garden architecture. The grotto ought to have been a component of the numerous fountains of the park, which did not function at that time, owing to a lack of technical knowledge.

The trident wielding god of the sea, Neptune, establishes a relationship to water. The conches on the sides, arranged into the shape of waterfalls and the great shell inside, made from many real shells, are a characteristic theme of Rococo.

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References

  1. "Neptune Grotto – Potsdam tourism – ViaMichelin".


Coordinates: 52°24′12″N13°02′32″E / 52.4033333333°N 13.0422222222°E / 52.4033333333; 13.0422222222