Soviet Memorial Cemetery, Potsdam

The Soviet Memorial Cemetery in Potsdam is located near Bassinplatz, the largest square in the city center. A flower-lined path from the eastern end of the square leads directly to this significant historical site, which commemorates the Soviet soldiers who died during the fierce battles over the capture of Potsdam in April 1945. Initially, the soldiers were buried provisionally, but plans were made to provide them with a more dignified final resting place after the war. Consequently, war cemeteries like this one were established in central locations, possibly to serve as a reminder to the German population of the Red Army's sacrifices in liberating them from fascism.

The cemetery contains 383 graves, which vary visually based on the rank of the deceased. Many dates of death on the graves extend beyond 1945, often marking reburial dates or deaths resulting from the war's lingering effects. The site is dominated by a monumental memorial built in 1948, reflecting the typical Soviet aesthetics of strength, superiority, and eternity. The centerpiece is a 14-meter-high monument made of sandstone and granite, featuring an obelisk on a pedestal surrounded by statues of four Red Army soldiers, each representing different branches of the Soviet military: a guard, a tank driver, a marine, and a pilot.

As per international treaties, Germany is required to maintain these war cemeteries permanently. The Soviet War Cemetery at Bassinplatz has been a protected historic site since 1987, serving as both a place of remembrance and a historical reminder of the costs of war and the impact of the Soviet presence in post-war Germany.