Ruinenberg

(Hill of Ruins)
Bornstedter Strasse / Pappelallee

Hidden behind the classical "ruins" of the Ruinenberg is a reservoir that can hold 7,600 cubic metres of water. It was built in 1748 by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff on the orders of Frederick the Great, to drive the fountains in Park Sanssouci. Windmills were to be used to pump water up from the River Havel.

Despite an enormous investment of time and money, the water pressure from the reservoir was never sufficient to drive the fountains, and in 1780 the idea was abandoned.

The ruins - also built in 1748 to disguise the reservoir - include a round temple, three high ionic columns and a small pyramid.