The city of Potsdam is a lesson in architectural revival. Like...
The Culturist@the_culturist_
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Feb 25, 2024
~2 min read
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The city of Potsdam is a lesson in architectural revival.
Like Dresden, it's one of the most inspiring architectural feats for decades. The last 20 years have seen its historic center, once among the most magnificent in Europe, spring back to life.
The Old Market Square was decimated by aerial bombings towards the end of WW2, and St. Nicholas Church (pictured) sustained heavy damage from Soviet artillery fire. Much of the square's surrounding architecture was reduced to rubble.
For decades, Potsdam had its revival halted by the East German communist regime, and war-damaged buildings were demolished during the '60s and '70s rather than saved. When eventually the Berlin Wall fell, it laid the path for city authorities to plan a spectacular rebirth of the historic district.
It's now one of the most uplifting postwar reconstructions in Europe, and many buildings are being pieced back together to the precise specifications of the originals. The Palais Barberini, for example, a classicist-Baroque masterpiece overlooking the square, was completed in 2016 as accurately as possible.
The most dominant building on the square is the Church of St. Nicholas, modeled on St. Paul's in London and St. Peter's in Rome - with striking similarities. The work to reconstruct its facades, interior and 77-meter-high dome was only finished in 2010 after decades of work.
It's all part of an ongoing revival mission, aiming to conclude by 2030, which will see two more 18th century palaces and vast swathes of the historic district reborn.
Like Dresden, it's one of the most inspiring architectural feats for decades. The last 20 years have seen its historic center, once among the most magnificent in Europe, spring back to life.
The Old Market Square was decimated by aerial bombings towards the end of WW2, and St. Nicholas Church (pictured) sustained heavy damage from Soviet artillery fire. Much of the square's surrounding architecture was reduced to rubble.
For decades, Potsdam had its revival halted by the East German communist regime, and war-damaged buildings were demolished during the '60s and '70s rather than saved. When eventually the Berlin Wall fell, it laid the path for city authorities to plan a spectacular rebirth of the historic district.
It's now one of the most uplifting postwar reconstructions in Europe, and many buildings are being pieced back together to the precise specifications of the originals. The Palais Barberini, for example, a classicist-Baroque masterpiece overlooking the square, was completed in 2016 as accurately as possible.
The most dominant building on the square is the Church of St. Nicholas, modeled on St. Paul's in London and St. Peter's in Rome - with striking similarities. The work to reconstruct its facades, interior and 77-meter-high dome was only finished in 2010 after decades of work.
It's all part of an ongoing revival mission, aiming to conclude by 2030, which will see two more 18th century palaces and vast swathes of the historic district reborn.
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These buildings were built in 2015. The interiors are modernized, but the sandstone facades are true to the 18th century (neo-Renaissance) originals.
Under the East German communist regime, this site was previously a parking lot.
Under the East German communist regime, this site was previously a parking lot.
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The work isn't limited to civic buildings and grand palaces. Entire city blocks in the Potsdamer Mitte are being rebuilt, including new social housing developments. Elaborate facades are being remade everywhere - pictured is the Plögersche Gasthof, which will be adorned with its eight original 18th century sandstone sculptures.
