Directly across from Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam stands a Dutch windmill, which still uses wind power to mill grain today.
There has been a windmill on the hill since 1738. Initially, it was a post mill, which was replaced by a larger gallery-style Dutch windmill between 1787 and 1791 with the support of Frederick William II. Milling guests came from neighboring Bornstedt. Whether grain was also milled for the royal table is unknown, but Frederick II's famous saying, "The mill shall be an ornament to the palace," is known.
It became known far and wide through a legend according to which Frederick II, disturbed by the clattering of the mill, demanded that the miller rebuild it elsewhere. However, the miller, Grävenitz, threatened to sue the Berlin Court of Appeal, and Frederick complied.
The sails continued to turn until 1858, and in 1861 the Dutch windmill was declared a monument. The mill burned down in the final days of the war in 1945. Reconstruction was completed in 1993, and since 2003, grain has been processed into grist and flour again.
In addition to the mill technology on the upper floors, the mill tower houses exhibitions on the history of the Historic Mill and other mill-related topics. The gallery offers a view of Sanssouci Park, and the shop sells many mill-related products.
The Historic Mill also houses the office of the Berlin-Brandenburg Mill Association, which includes a specialist library and an archive.