Brandenburg Gate, Potsdam (must see)
The Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam, located on Luisenplatz, is a significant historical monument distinct from the more famous Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. This gate was constructed between 1770 and 1771 by architects Carl von Gontard and Georg Christian Unger under the commission of Frederick II of Prussia, celebrating his victories in the Seven Years' War.
One of the gate’s most unique features is the stylistic contrast between its two long sides, designed by the two architects. The city-facing side, crafted by Carl von Gontard, features a simpler, rendered facade with pilasters and trophies in the Corinthian order. In contrast, the countryside-facing side, designed by Georg Christian Unger, is more ornate, reminiscent of the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This site includes projecting Corinthian pairs of columns and more prominent decorative sculptures, emphasizing its triumphal arch influence. The Roman style is further evident in the double columns of Corinthian order and the design of the attic.
Originally, the Brandenburg Gate was part of Potsdam's city wall, serving as a checkpoint and toll barrier to prevent desertion and smuggling. The earlier gate, dating back to 1733, was simpler, resembling a castle gateway. The current structure was built towards the end of the Seven Years' War as a symbol of Frederick the Great's victory, replacing the older gate.
In 1843, two side entrances for pedestrians were added under the rule of Frederick William IV to accommodate increased foot traffic. Around 1900, the demolition of the city wall transformed the Brandenburg Gate into a free-standing structure. It stands prominently at the western end of Brandenburger Straße, a straight road leading directly to the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, marking the entrance to Potsdam's city center pedestrian zone.
Historically, the gate served as the main passage for those traveling to the town of Brandenburg, from which it derives its name. Today, the Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam remains a notable example of Roman-inspired triumphal architecture, symbolizing a significant period in Prussian history.
One of the gate’s most unique features is the stylistic contrast between its two long sides, designed by the two architects. The city-facing side, crafted by Carl von Gontard, features a simpler, rendered facade with pilasters and trophies in the Corinthian order. In contrast, the countryside-facing side, designed by Georg Christian Unger, is more ornate, reminiscent of the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This site includes projecting Corinthian pairs of columns and more prominent decorative sculptures, emphasizing its triumphal arch influence. The Roman style is further evident in the double columns of Corinthian order and the design of the attic.
Originally, the Brandenburg Gate was part of Potsdam's city wall, serving as a checkpoint and toll barrier to prevent desertion and smuggling. The earlier gate, dating back to 1733, was simpler, resembling a castle gateway. The current structure was built towards the end of the Seven Years' War as a symbol of Frederick the Great's victory, replacing the older gate.
In 1843, two side entrances for pedestrians were added under the rule of Frederick William IV to accommodate increased foot traffic. Around 1900, the demolition of the city wall transformed the Brandenburg Gate into a free-standing structure. It stands prominently at the western end of Brandenburger Straße, a straight road leading directly to the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, marking the entrance to Potsdam's city center pedestrian zone.
Historically, the gate served as the main passage for those traveling to the town of Brandenburg, from which it derives its name. Today, the Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam remains a notable example of Roman-inspired triumphal architecture, symbolizing a significant period in Prussian history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Potsdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Brandenburg Gate on Map
Sight Name: Brandenburg Gate
Sight Location: Potsdam, Germany (See walking tours in Potsdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Potsdam, Germany (See walking tours in Potsdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Potsdam, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Potsdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Potsdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Potsdam Introduction Walking Tour
Potsdam was likely founded during the seventh century by the Hevelli tribe. The town was mentioned by the name of Poztupimi in a document from Emperor Otto III. The name likely came from an old Western Slavonic term roughly meaning "beneath the oaks."
By the early 1300s, a small town had formed with a town charter. By 1573 the town had around 2,000 people living there. Potsdam rose to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
By the early 1300s, a small town had formed with a town charter. By 1573 the town had around 2,000 people living there. Potsdam rose to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Sanssouci Park Walking Tour
Sanssouci Park is a unique Potsdam landmark that occupies 290 hectares in the heart of the city. The Park is named after the Sanssouci Palace that it surrounds, which in turn takes its name from the French phrase "sans souci", which means carefree, and implies that the palace was designated as a place of fun, rather than a seat of power.
Indeed, the Sanssouci Palace was built in 1747... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Indeed, the Sanssouci Palace was built in 1747... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Neuer Garten Walking Tour
Laid out at the behest of Friedrich William II in 1787, Potsdam's Neuer Garten (New Garden) was indeed "new" compared to the already in place Sanssouci Park.
Between 1816 and 1828, the area was modified further as an English-style, open landscape garden, with an aim to reproduce nature – trees and plants were left to grow naturally, unshaped and untrimmed. Rural life was also... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Between 1816 and 1828, the area was modified further as an English-style, open landscape garden, with an aim to reproduce nature – trees and plants were left to grow naturally, unshaped and untrimmed. Rural life was also... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles