Garnisonkirche (Garrison Church), Potsdam

Garnisonkirche (Garrison Church), Potsdam

The Garrison Church (Garnisonkirche) in Potsdam is a historically significant Protestant church that played a vital role in the early modern history of Germany. Constructed between 1730 and 1735 under the orders of King Frederick William I of Prussia, the church was designed by architect Philipp Gerlach and is celebrated as a major work of Prussian Baroque architecture. Standing at nearly 90 meters tall, it was the tallest building in Potsdam, dominating the city's skyline and forming part of the famous "Three Churches View" alongside Saint Nicholas Church and the Holy Spirit Church.

The Garrison Church held a prominent place in both religious and political life. It was a gathering site for many significant historical figures, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexander I of Russia, and Napoleon. The church served as the burial site for Frederick William I and his son, Frederick the Great. Moreover, it was in the Garrison Church that Potsdam's first freely elected council members met, and where Lutheran and Reformed Protestants founded the Prussian Union of Churches. The church was also a venue for classical concerts, further cementing its role as a cultural and spiritual center.

The church's interior was marked by its clear and simple design. Massive columns supported a flat roof and a two-storeyed gallery, where soldiers sat above the civilian congregation. The interior initially featured minimal ornamentation, with simple wood paneling and a wooden pulpit on the south side of the nave. In 1735, a colorful Baroque-style high altar, designed by Christian Friedrich Feldmann, was added. This altar included marble figures of Mars and Bellona by sculptor Johann Georg Glume, flanking the entrance to the crypt below.

The Garrison Church's history is marked by conflict and political turmoil, including damage from British bombing in World War II and its demolition by East Germany in 1968. Despite this, its significance endures. After German reunification, efforts to rebuild the church led to the opening of a new section in 2024, featuring a Coventry chapel, a historical exhibition, and a 57-meter viewing platform. This reconstruction symbolizes Potsdam's return to its historical roots and a commitment to peace and reflection.

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Garnisonkirche (Garrison Church) on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Garnisonkirche (Garrison Church)
Sight Location: Potsdam, Germany (See walking tours in Potsdam)
Sight Type: Religious

Walking Tours in Potsdam, Germany

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Create Your Own Walk in Potsdam

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