Bassinplatz: Potsdam's Baroque Square

Bassinplatz, located north of Potsdam's Old Town, stands as the largest of the city's three baroque squares. Its name originates from a former water basin, commissioned by King Frederick William I in 1737 to drain the marshy area. This "Dutch Basin" collected water from the surrounding swampland, connecting to the Havel River and the city canal through a system of trenches and underground channels. Over the centuries, Bassinplatz has undergone several transformations. In the late 18th century, the area around the square was developed with impressive three-story brick buildings in the Dutch style. However, the basin became a nuisance due to stagnant water, leading to its reduction in 1835 and eventual filling between 1871 and 1876. In 1945, a Soviet memorial cemetery was established on the site of a former gloriette, commemorating Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of Potsdam in World War II. Today, Bassinplatz is characterized by a blend of historical and modern elements. The Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul, built in the style of an Italian Campanile, stands on the west side of the square, while the French Church, Potsdam's oldest preserved church, is located on the southeastern edge. The square is bordered by the Dutch Quarter to the north and the Platz der Einheit to the southwest. It serves as a venue for weekly markets and events, maintaining its role as a central hub in Potsdam.