Sightseeing in Potsdam - what to see. Complete travel guide

This city is located near Berlin in a very picturesque place. A large park complex includes a system of lakes, the largest of which is Wannsee. Among the parks and gardens you can see many beautiful palaces and pavilions that emphasize elegant architecture of the city and its noble features.

The so-called Old Town is the most notable area for tourists as here you will see buildings of 18 - 19 centuries, as well as several restaurants decorated in the style of past centuries. Besides this you can visit a Russian village called Aleksandrovka, Dutch Quarter and many historic districts that are so different and at the same time are perfectly combined with each other.

One of the most famous places of interest of this city is the Sans-Souci Palace and the same named park that is adjacent to its territory. The palace was built in the 18th century and was considered the main residence of Frederick the Great. Near the castle is located the tomb of the great King of Prussia, which is always decorated with bouquets of fresh flowers. According to one tradition, the local people always bring potato to the grave of Frederick, because he has brought this vegetable to Germany for the first time. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The park, which surrounds the palace, is a true work of art. In the park are opened several garden pavilions. Visitors can also see elegant villas and more than ten ancient palaces. In warm part of year the park’s staff puts up orange trees out of greenhouses to the main avenue. This makes this place even more unusual and exotic.

Among the ancient castles we should also mention Cecilienhof Palace, the square in front of which is decorated with a large flower bed in the form of a five-pointed star. One of the castle’s halls has been turned into Museum of the Potsdam Conference, and the distant wing has been turned into a modern hotel.

At the Market Square is located a gorgeous building of the old town hall. Nowadays, it houses the Museum of Potsdam, famous for its extensive and diverse collection. The collection of antique ceramic items made in the 18th - 19th centuries is considered one of the most valuable. Visitors of the museum have an opportunity to see the most beautiful antique furniture, old musical instruments, samples of the old military uniform and ball gowns that were in fashion hundreds of years ago.

One of the most unusual religious monuments is Alexander Nevsky church located in an exciting historical area. A Russian village called Alexandrovka settled down here in the 19th century. The church was built in the 20s of the last century on its territory. Since the foundation, its decor has almost not changed.

One of the most recognizable historical monuments of Potsdam is the church of St. Nicholas. Its main feature is a luxurious emerald dome. This church is located in the very heart of the historic district. Its construction took place in the 19th century. During the Second World War, the building was almost completely destroyed. However, due to the efforts of local architects and builders, the religious monument was restored in the shortest possible time. An observation deck is equipped on one of its towers nowadays. The church is used for performances of choral music, as well.

One of the most beautiful places in the city is New Garden. The area of this wonderful park is about 100 hectares. Its formation began in 1787 by order of Friedrich Wilhelm II. An extensive park in English style was originally beautifully designed. On its territory, numerous excellent and symbolic buildings are found, including the Marble Palace of the late 18th century, and the Gothic library, built in the same period.

Near the Deep Lake, is the equally attractive Babelsberg park. It was formed in a lovely hilly area. The main historical attraction of the park is a castle with the same name, built in 1849. Some secondary buildings and large stables have survived here. This garden is characterized by an incredible landscape design.