Französische Kirche (French Church), Potsdam

The French Church (Französische Kirche) in Potsdam is a historical landmark on the southeast edge of Bassinplatz. Built between 1751 and 1753 by order of Frederick the Great, the church was a gift to the Huguenot community in Potsdam, reflecting the Prussian king's policies on immigration and religious tolerance. This church is notably the oldest surviving church in the historic center of Potsdam, having withstood the devastation of World War II almost unscathed.

The church's architectural design was entrusted to Georg Wenceslaus von Knobelsdorff, a prominent architect of the time, whose previous works included the Berlin Opera House and Sanssouci Palace. The building of the church was overseen by Dutch architect Jan Bouman, who faced challenges due to the marshy land where the church was constructed. Knobelsdorff, who was gravely ill during the construction, passed away on 16 September 1753, the very day the church was presented to the Huguenots.

The church's most distinctive architectural feature is its domed portico, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The oval-shaped building measures approximately 21.5 by 17 meters and features a relatively flat, copper-covered dome. The southern entrance of the church is adorned with a gabled portico, flanked by two large sandstone figures representing charity and hope, sculpted by Friedrich Christian Glume.

The interior of the church is consistent with the French reformed tradition, characterized by simplicity and an absence of images and crosses. The unadorned altar and the forward-facing pulpit, moved during the 1830s renovations led by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, maintain the church's austere and simple character. The church also houses a baroque Grüneberg organ from 1783, which adds to its historical and cultural significance.