Sights

The city of Potsdam is nestled in a unique cultural landscape that has been shaped over centuries. This includes the world-famous palaces and gardens, which enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. Potsdam’s cityscape is characterized by its historic quarters and city gates. Since 1990, numerous new attractions have emerged, such as the Volkspark (Peoples Park), the cultural and creative quarter in Schiffbauergasse, the Barberini Museum in direct proximity to the new Brandenburg state parliament, and the art gallery DAS MINSK.

The unique atmosphere of historic buildings, attractive new constructions, and especially the UNESCO World Heritage sites can be experienced on guided tours or sightseeing trips by bus, bike, or boat on the Havel River. Tourist services and information are provided by PMSG Potsdam Marketing und Service GmbH.

Potsdam’s most famous landmark, Sanssouci Palace, along with its namesake park featuring numerous palaces, the New Garden with the Marble Palace and Cecilienhof Palace, as well as Babelsberg Park with its castle, Flatow Tower, and Court Arbor, fall under the administration of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.

Historical Trail

The Historical Trail consists of more than 40 information boards throughout the Potsdam city area. Visitors can learn on-site about the history of Potsdam’s buildings or the lives of notable figures who lived and worked here.

New Palace

The New Palace is the biggest building in Sanssouci Park. It was built from 1763 to 1769 in accordance with the plans of Johann Gottfried Brühning, Heinrich Ludwig Manger, and Carl of Gontard at the west end of the main avenue of Sanssouci Park at the request of Frederick II.

Old Guardhouse (Alte Wache)

The Old Guardhouse (Alte Wache) is located at the corner of Lindenstraße and Charlottenstraße. In the early 18th century, merchants arriving from Werder and Brandenburg an der Havel were inspected here.

Old Market (Alter Markt)

Das Foto zeigt den Alten Markt mit Potsdam Mueum, Museum Barberini und der angrenzenden Häuserzeile sowie dem Landtag und dem Obelisk.

Der Alte Markt als Herzstück Potsdams wurde unter Friedrich dem Großen in der Mitte des 18. Jahrhundert in Havelnähe als römischer Platz gestaltet.

Old Neuendorf Church (Alte Neuendorfer Kirche)

King Friedrich Wilhelm IV himself initiated the octagonal shape of the elegant small chapel in the oldest part of what is now Babelsberg. The new church was consecrated on January 30, 1853.

Pfingstberg Hill Belvedere

Frederick William IV had the castle ‘Belvedere’ built on Pfingstberg Hill in accordance with his own designs because of the beautiful view.

Russian Colony Alexandrovka

The Russian colony was laid out in 1826 – 1827 at Frederick William II’s request in commemoration of his deceased friend Czar Alexander I.

Sanssouci Palace

The Sanssouci Palace – ‘sans souci’ – was the favorite place of Frederick the Great. It served as his summer residence and maison de plaisance, in which he particularly wanted to enjoy his private life.

St. Nicholas Church

The Protestant St. Nicholas Church is one of the most significant examples of architecture of German classicism.

Village Church Bornstedt

The church, with its freestanding campanile in an Italianate architectural style, was built in 1842/43 at the request of King Frederick William IV based on designs by Friedrich Ludwig Persius. Friedrich August Stüler was tasked with further design and execution.

Village Church Eiche

The Village Church of Eiche was consecrated in its current form on October 31, 1771. It was built under the direction and significant influence of Frederick the Great by Georg Christian Unger, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.