Roman Baths (Potsdam)

The Roman Baths, northeast of the nose Charlottenhof in the park of Sanssouci in Potsdam, reflect the Italiensehnsucht ("Sehnsucht/longing for Italy") of its creator Frederick William IV of Prussia. Various Roman and antiquated Italian styles were melded into the architectural ensemble created between 1829-1840.

While still a crown prince Friedrich Wilhelm had first Charlottenhof (1826-1829) and then the adjunct Roman Baths built. Coming up with numerous ideas and drawing many actual drafts, the artistically-gifted heir to the throne had great influence on the plans of the architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Charged with managing the actual construction was Ludwig Persius, a student of Schinkel's.