Norman tower on the Ruinenberg

The 23-meter-high Norman Tower on the Ruinenberg was built in 1846 according to plans by Ludwig Persius. Modeled after a medieval watchtower, it has four stories and a crenellated, accessible roof. The panoramic view from the Norman Tower stretches from Peacock Island across Sanssouci Park to Werder and can be viewed during special openings for events.

As early as the mid-18th century, Frederick II had a water basin built on the Ruinenberg (Ruins Hill) to supply the fountains in Sanssouci Park. He surrounded the basin with an elaborate arrangement of colossal columns, a Doric rotunda, and a pyramid, all reflected in the water, a ruined wall modeled on ancient theaters, and a natural backdrop of trees. It was one of the earliest landscape features on the continent influenced by English design. Later, King Frederick William IV commissioned the Norman Tower, which further enhanced the area. At the same time, Peter Joseph Lenné was able to expand Sanssouci Park to include the Ruinenberg and the fields of the Bornstedt estate.