Even as crown prince, the later king Frederick William IV was inspired by the breathtaking views of town and country to be enjoyed from Pfingsberg to the northwest of the New Garden. The long-planned construction of the pleasure palace began in 1847, with its completion in 1863 not occurring until two years after the king’s death.

Ever since, Pfingstberg has been crowned with one of the most beautiful examples of a 19th century stately building: the Belvedere. The large twin-towered structure with its many colonnades is built in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa and soars above the landscape as a point of picturesque focus. The Belvedere, operated by the Förderverein Pfingstberg e.V., still offers one of the most marvelous views of Potsdam and represents one of the city’s most popular destinations. In addition, it is available to the public for diverse cultural uses as well as private occasions, social events and receptions.

Thanks to generous support by the Hermann Reemtsma Stiftung; Dr. Werner Otto, founder of the mail-order company; and other sponsors, it was possible to successfully complete lengthy restoration measures at the Belvedere, returning the palace once again to its former splendor.

Another attraction on Pfingstberg is the Temple of Pomona. Located below the Belvedere, it was built in 1800 as the first work of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, who was just 19 years old at the time.