Thanks to its importance in the history of the Kingdom of Prussia and as the residence for its rulers, Potsdam is home to a rich collection of historic buildings, palaces and parks. Many of these attractions form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers parts of Potsdam and nearby Berlin. Today, attractions in Potsdam include the famous Sanssouci Palace and the Babelsberg Palace. The St. Peter and Paul Church in the city centre is another fine example of Potsdam’s architectural beauty.
The St. Peter and Paul Church in Potsdam sits on the eastern end of the famous Brandenburger Strasse, which links the church with Luisenplatz and the nearby Sanssouci Palace and Park. Even before the St. Peter and Paul Church was built, a Baroque-style place of worship could be found on the same site. The modest original church had no tower and after over a hundred years of use it was too small for the growing congregation. The church was also so dilapidated that it was decided it needed to be replaced with a new church.
The cornerstone of the St. Peter and Paul church was laid in 1867. Completed in 1870, the church was designed by August Stüler and Wilhelm Salzberg. In the original design, Stüler envisaged two towers. After his death, the plans for the new church were edited by Salzberg and the two towers were replaced by an Italian-style bell tower. The original idea of incorporating a semicircular apse was also replaced with three bulges or conches.
Built with yellow brick, the church’s symmetrical design is an eclectic mix of Byzantine and Romanesque styles as well as classicist elements. The church’s slender brick tower is centered on the buildings lower gables, which fit wonderfully into the surrounding two-storey gabled houses. The layout also evokes the shape a Greek cross and resembles the Hagia Sophia, while the bell tower is modelled on the tower of San Zeno in Verona. The bronze bells in bear the names of Peter and Paul, as well as Mary and Benedict.
The inside the church is adorned with lavish marble altars, with the main altar featuring various levels. Noteworthy features include three famous Baroque paintings by Antoine Pesne that were found in the original church. Made in 1936 by Schuke, the stunning organ boasts 41 registers. Other highlights in the Church of St. Peter and Paul are the images of the Way of the Cross along the walls of the aisles as well as ornamental murals.
The St. Peter and Paul Church was damaged during World War II and restored afterwards. Between 2002 and 2006, repair works were also carried out in the church. Today, the active Catholic parish has more than 6,000 members. In addition to religious services, the church hosts religious instruction and educational activities related to travel, architecture, religion and other topics. The parish also operates a library, hospital, daycare centre and nursing home.
Events in Potsdam
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Music Festival in PotsdamThe Music Festival in Potsdam will be held again in June. This year's theme "Music and gardens" ubiquitous. So even on the opening day in June. Interesting and unique you can take guided tours and visits to many different places. For those interested there is an Opera Workshop.
TICKETSDetails about the Music Festival in Potsdam can be found here.
The concert on the eve and Night of the Palaces in PotsdamThe Park of Sanssouci and Sanssouci Palace with its terraced vineyards and the New Palace are undisputedly the most important monuments in Potsdam, therefore provides the Night of the Palaces as an excellent temporal orientation, to learn more about the state capital of Brandenburg.
TICKETSDetails about the Night of the Palaces can be found here.