Gothic Library

Idyllically located on the southern shore of the Heiliger See, the Gothic Library was once considered beyond saving. Built in the late 18th century in the Neo-Gothic style, the two-story tower pavilion long served as a library until all books were moved to the Potsdam City Palace in the 1930s. A bomb hit during World War II caused the building to sink toward the water. Despite makeshift stabilization efforts, the sandstone pavilion continued to deteriorate. Due to its nearly 70-centimeter tilt, it was long known as the "Leaning Tower of Potsdam."

For Potsdam’s 1000-year anniversary in 1993, the state of Berlin gifted 1.6 million Deutsche Marks for the preservation of the structure, which, as part of the ensemble surrounding Cecilienhof Palace and the Marble Palace in the New Garden, had been under UNESCO World Heritage protection since late 1990. These funds enabled the complete dismantling of the remaining 691 natural stone blocks and the extensive securing of the foundation. The reconstruction, using the original stones that were still intact, took five years and ultimately cost a total of 4.1 million Deutsche Marks.

Today, the Gothic Library is once again a true architectural highlight, though it is generally not open to the public. From the tower’s arcaded gallery, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Heiliger See and the Marble Palace—a sight that once enchanted Prussian King Frederick William II and his guests.