Historic Mill, Potsdam

The Historic Mill of Sanssouci, located in Potsdam, is a notable landmark closely associated with Frederick the Great and his renowned summer palace, Sanssouci. The original mill, a post mill, was constructed between 1737 and 1738, following permission granted by Frederick William I of Prussia in 1736. This mill predates the Sanssouci Palace itself, which was built between 1745 and 1747. The post mill's unique design allowed the entire superstructure to rotate on a central wooden post to catch the wind from various directions.

As the original mill fell into disrepair over the next fifty years, it was demolished and replaced between 1787 and 1791 with a larger smock mill, designed by master builder Cornelius Wilhelm van der Bosch and inspired by Dutch prototypes. This reconstruction was financed by Frederick William II, in part because the mill had gained fame beyond Potsdam due to the legend of the Miller of Sanssouci.

The current smock mill, completed in 1993, is a replica of the mill built in the late 18th century. It was reconstructed using photographs and measurements, as the original construction drawings by Cornelius Wilhelm van der Bosch were lost. The mill is owned by the Berlin-Brandenburg Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens and has been operated since 1995 by the Berlin-Brandenburg Mill Association. Additionally, since 1984, a replica of the Historic Mill of Sanssouci has been displayed at the Gifhorn Mill Museum.