As part of the Potsdam Edict of Tolerance, Friedrich Wilhelm of Brandenburg offered a new home in Prussia to the Huguenot refugees. Nearly 70 years later, the Huguenot community had grown so much that in 1752, it was decided to build a French Protestant church for them. Since the heavy destruction during World War II, it is the oldest surviving church in the historic city area.
The church is located at the eastern edge of Bassinplatz and is reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon, with its striking elliptical shape. Two allegorical figures by the sculptor Friedrich Christian Glume stand at the columned portal: Caritas (Love, Charity) and Spes (Hope). The interior design of the church is attributed to Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Since the end of 2002, the congregation has enjoyed the restored Grüneberg organ.
Every year, the International Organ Summer takes place in the French Church, as well as in the Erlöserkirche and Friedenskirche, each with a different theme. Here, the fantastic sounds of various performers can be experienced.
There is also a video portrait of the French Church on YouTube (in German):
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Links
Address
Französische Kirche
Bassinplatz
14467 Potsdam
Germany
