Potsdam City Palace at the Old Market
The Potsdam City Palace is located on the Old Market in Potsdam and is an external reconstruction of the palace building that was destroyed in 1945 and demolished in GDR times. The reconstruction was inaugurated in January 2014 and today serves as the seat of the Brandenburg state parliament. The very simple, functional interior was designed by Peter Kulka. Today the palace is once again one of Potsdam’s many sights.
Table of contents
History of the Potsdam City Palace
The original city palace was mainly built by 1752 according to plans by the architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff and with the participation of the builder Frederick the Great (Frederick II). It was the most important building in Potsdam city center before it was destroyed.
But the history of the building goes back further. As early as the 13th century there was a castle on this site, from which the city palace later developed. This happened in particular after the Electress Catherine took over and later by Elector Friedrich Wilhelm, who made Potsdam (after Berlin) his second residence in 1660. Between 1662 and 1669 he had a new palace built in place of the old building. This was probably done by Johann Gregor Memhardt. The exterior architecture was modeled on Dutch models.
Conversions and extensions of the Potsdam City Palace
In the following years, several conversions and extensions of the city palace took place. Among other things, the extension of the side wing to the Old Market in the years 1679 to 1682 according to plans by Michael Matthias Smidts and Johann Arnold Nering.
Frederick I also had alterations made. During this time, the Fortuna portal was created as an effective conclusion. From 1746/47 to 1752, the city palace was expanded into a winter residence for the king after major work based on plans by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. In the end, the castle offered a unified architectural layout with rich classical decoration and a striking color scheme. The castle had red painted masonry, yellow architectural parts and a blue copper roof.
Interiors of the Potsdam City Palace
The royal palace had several interiors and halls. Worth mentioning are the stairwell, the marble hall, the bronze hall, the concert room, the confidence board room, the marshal board room, the writing cabinet, the dining room, several bedrooms and apartments.
Destruction and reconstruction
The Potsdam City Palace was badly damaged during the war. During an air raid, the city palace and large parts of its immediate vicinity burned down to the outer walls. After years of arguments, the SED leadership decided in May 1959 to demolish the ruins in order to create a Karl Liebknecht Forum on this site. The castle was blown up in early 1960.
From 1991, discussions about the reconstruction of the city palace began. However, this only became concrete after Günther Jauch from Potsdam and other sponsors with donations had the Fortuna portal restored true to the original. In May 2005, the decision was made to build a new state parliament in the outlines and outlines of the historic Potsdam City Palace by 2011. This was completed in 2014.
book tips
Address
Am Alten Markt 1
14467 Potsdam
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Tickets
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| Guide Tours | |
Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace Guided Tour from Berlin  Experience the gardens and majestic architecture of the Sanssouci Park on this tour from Berlin. Explore the highlights of Potsdam, the Sanssouci's palace, and the beautiful Peace Church. (From € 54 per person, GetYourGuide)) |  |
Potsdam: Guided Walking Tour Go on a guided walking tour in Potsdam. See some of its spellbinding attractions like the Sanssouci Palace and get an insider's view of the history and culture of the city. (From € 403 per group up to 10, GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam & Sanssouci City of German Kings Tour Explore one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Germany, Sanssouci, with its large palaces and gardens. Hear the fascinating story of how Germany and Prussia came into being. Appreciate the architecture as your guide takes you around Potsdam. (From € 290 per group up to 6, GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam Private Guided Tour in English Explore the former royal residence of the Prussian kings on a private 6-hour tour of Potsdam from Berlin. See the UNESCO World Heritage palaces and parks, and learn the city’s history from your guide. Go to the Marble Palace, Schloss Cecilienhof, and more. (From € 960 per group up to 6, GetYourGuide) | |
Gardens & Palaces of Potsdam Bike Tour from Berlin Potsdam is Berlin’s most popular destination for day trips and a playground for a bicyclist, with many Prussian and Cold War sights tucked deep in verdant parks and along quiet alleyways. On this 6.5-hour tour from Berlin, explore Potsdam’s many sights. (From € 75 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam city tour of the emperors The former capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, Potsdam's baroque parks and palaces, have received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city with a guide on this small-group tour by train from Berlin. Hear about emperors, kings, and World War II. Stroll through ornate streets and Sanssouci Park. and skip the long lines for Sanssouci Palace itself. Please note: Entrance fees and train tickets are at your own expense. (from € 50.00, Viator) |  |
Private half-day walking tour of Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace Explore the former seat of the Prussian kings on this private half-day tour of Potsdam, including the magnificent Sanssouci Palace. Follow your guide through Potsdam's old town, stopping to snap photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Stroll through the opulent City Palace and admire the red brick buildings of the Dutch Quarter. Then admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanssouci Palace and explore the palace gardens, the Chinese tea house, and the tomb of the Prussian King Frederick the Great. (from € 190.00 per group (up to 10), Viator) | |
Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Potsdam Tour Discover two of the most iconic sights of the Berlin area on the only tour with transport included. Take a guided tour of the Sachsenhausen Memorial and enjoy a tour of the historic city of Potsdam. (From € 49 per person, GetYourGuide, Reserve now and pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today) | |
| Sightseeing Tours & Boat Cruises | |
Potsdam: City and Castles Tour Enjoy a fun city tour of the highlights of Potsdam and visit the fascinating castles of Sanssouci, Cecilienhof and the New Palace. Stroll through the Baroque old town and walk in the footsteps of "Old Fritz". (From € 25 per person, GetYourGuide, Bestseller) | |
Potsdam: 1-day ticket for the hop-on / hop-off bus tour Discover Potsdam at your own pace with a 1-day ticket for the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Get live commentary as the bus travels past the main sights and attractions, and jump off at any of the 12 stops. (From € 20 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat See the most beautiful sights of Potsdam and discover the hill landscape from the water in only 90 minutes. Admire the countless palaces and wonderful parks from the Hohenzollern Dynasty and see a true piece of history. (From € 22 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam by Boat: Island Cruise Discover all of Potsdam on this very special boat trip and explore the unique riverscape surrounded by impressive manor houses and magnificent buildings. Admire Caputh Castle, Babelsberg Castle and other beautiful sights. (From € 36 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: City Tour in a Soviet Minibus Explore Potsdam’s Soviet secrets in a unique and authentic vehicle. Dive into the time of the Cold War and enjoy the impressive highlights of the city. (From € 289 per group up to 8, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Private City Highlights Tour in a Vintage Minibus Discover the highlights of Potsdam on a private tour aboard a vintage Buchanka minibus with a local driver and guide. Visit the famous Park Sansouci, Cecilienhof, Glienicke Bridge, and Babelsberg. (From € 399 per group up to 8, GetYourGuide) | |
| City Cards | |
Potsdam & Berlin WelcomeCard:  Explore Berlin with a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-day Berlin WelcomeCard. Ride public transport in the ABC zones, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport, receive discounts of up to 50% with many partners, and benefit from the pocket travel guide. (From € 24 per person, GetYourGuide) | |