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Cecilienhof Palace
Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam is a site of global historical significance, as it hosted the Potsdam Conference in the summer of 1945. The heads of state from the victorious powers, Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill (later Clement Attlee), and Joseph Stalin, met at the palace to decide on the reorganization of Germany and the future of Europe after World War II. These negotiations resulted in the Potsdam Agreement, which established the framework for later political developments. Built between 1913 and 1917 in the style of an English country manor, the palace was the final residence of the House of Hohenzollern for Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie. Architecturally, it is noted for its half-timbered facades and numerous individually designed chimneys. Located in the New Garden directly on Lake Heiliger See, it blends harmoniously into the surrounding parkland. Today, the palace houses a museum documenting the conference rooms and the history of the 1945 negotiations. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin'.
- Location: Brandenburg, Germany
- Top sights: Schlossgarten Glienicke · Schloss Glienicke · Glienicker Brücke
- Nearby: Werder (Havel) (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 38 | 40 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
modern
1945
Geography
Facts
- The Potsdam Conference took place from July 17 to August 2, 1945.
- The palace contains a total of 176 rooms.
- Architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg designed the building in the Tudor style.
- The flags of the USA, USSR, and Great Britain were placed on the round conference table.
- Emperor Wilhelm II commissioned the construction for his son, Crown Prince Wilhelm.
- The palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cecilienhof Palace (10)
Schloss Glienicke
Glienicke Palace: classicist palace in Berlin, built for Prince Carl of Prussia.
Jagdschloss Glienicke🏰 castle
Glienicke Hunting Lodge: former hunting lodge in Berlin, surrounded by forest.
Villa Schoeningen🏛 museum
Villa Schoeningen: historic villa in Potsdam, now a museum and event venue.
Klein-Glienicker Kapelle
Klein-Glienicke Chapel: donated by Emperor Wilhelm I and Prince Carl of Prussia.
Villengarten Villa Schöningen
Villa Schöningen Garden: designed by Peter Joseph Lenné, likely laid out by Gustav Meyer.
Dampfmaschinenhaus
Steam Engine House: steam engine house styled as a medieval fortress in Babelsberg Park.
Parkbrücke
Park Bridge: bridge in Glienicke Palace Park, connecting paths over a watercourse.
Kleines Schloss / Damenhaus🏰 castle
Little Castle / Ladies' House: gardener's house from 1833/34, rebuilt 1841-1842 in Tudor Gothic style.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cecilienhof historically significant?
How much is a ticket with a tour?
Where exactly in Potsdam is the castle located?
Is photography allowed inside?
Is there a café in the castle?
Cecilienhof Palace: where is it located?
Cecilienhof Palace: what is there to see?
Cecilienhof Palace: when is the best time to visit?
Cecilienhof Palace: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
