Dampfmaschinenhaus / Moschee

(Steam-Engine House / Mosque)
Breite Strasse

Designed by Ludwig Persius for Frederick William IV, this exotic building imitates a Turkish mosque. It houses a large steam engine that pumped water from the adjacent Havel River to the fountains of Park Sanssouci. It was completed in 1842.

When constructed, the steam engine was the most powerful in Prussia. It was designed by August Borsig. The "Mosque" minaret serves as its smokestack.

Sanssouci's fountains are now powered by electric pumps, but the Moschee steam engine is still fully functional.