category of places

Garnisonkirche

About

The Garnisonkirche Potsdam is a reconstructed landmark that bridges Prussian heritage and contemporary reflection in the city’s historic core. Originally built between 1730 and 1735 under King Frederick William I, the Garrison Church was a towering Baroque structure designed by Philipp Gerlach. With a height of nearly 90 meters, it dominated Potsdam’s skyline and served as a military and royal ceremonial church. It gained notoriety in 1933 when Adolf Hitler and President Paul von Hindenburg appeared together at a memorial event, casting a long shadow over its legacy. Severely damaged in World War II and demolished in 1968 by East German authorities, the church remained a symbol of contested memory. Reconstruction efforts began after reunification, and in 2024, the rebuilt tower reopened as a cultural and educational site. Today, the Garnisonkirche hosts exhibitions, concerts, and discussions focused on peace, democracy, and historical accountability. Its viewing platform offers panoramic views of Potsdam, while its programming invites critical engagement with Germany’s complex past.

Potsdam Germany

Location

Garnisonkirche, or the Garrison Church, is located in the historic center of Potsdam at Breite Straße, close to the intersection with Dortustraße and the Alter Markt square. Originally built from 1730 to 1735, this Baroque landmark stood as Potsdam’s tallest building, with a 90-meter tower that shapes the skyline and forms part of the city’s “Three Churches View” along with St. Nicholas Church and the Holy Spirit Church. The church is within walking distance of notable sites like the reconstructed City Palace, St. Nicholas Church, the Filmmuseum Potsdam, the Dutch Quarter, and the Havel riverfront. The original building was demolished in 1968 after World War II damage, but a major reconstruction project since 2017 has restored much of its tower and facade, with a new chapel, an exhibition on Potsdam’s past, and a viewing platform now open to the public since 2024. Garnisonkirche is surrounded by vibrant urban life and significant cultural landmarks in Potsdam’s city center, making it a key point of architectural and historical interest.

Garnisonkirche

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