Potsdam's fairy-tale landscapes look like a blessing from nature, but are the result of hundreds of years of human endeavour, in pursuit of paradise on earth. You will wander the mock-16th century palace of Cecilienhof, and see the lakeside Marble Palace with its Greek temple ruins, and the dreamlike castle of Babelsberg. What are an idyllic Russian village, beautiful towers and churches from the Italian Renaissance, and an 18th century Dutch town doing here? But the cruel realities of 20th century history shattered this world in 1945; we explain how the old city palace was destroyed at the end of the war. See where an American president, a Soviet dictator and a British prime minister sealed the fate of Germany and Europe, ushering in the Cold War. Cross the "spy swap" bridge where Gary Powers was traded in 1962; find out where the KGB Prison was in the so-called Forbidden Town, and see the former Stasi Prison, run by the East German secret police.The walking tour ends back in the 18th century. Finish in the enchanting surroundings of Sanssouci Park and Palace, created by Frederick the Great and named 'Without a Care!'.
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