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Church of Peace: A Potsdam Sanctuary

Discover Potsdam's Church of Peace: A tranquil sanctuary in Sanssouci Park with stunning mosaics and royal history.

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The Church of Peace (Friedenskirche) in Potsdam, Germany, is a serene Protestant church commissioned by King Frederick William IV in 1845 and completed in 1848, with additional construction until 1854. Located in the Marly Gardens of Sanssouci Park, it's known for its Italian Romanesque architecture and peaceful ambiance.

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Local tips

  • Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.
  • Explore the surrounding Marly Gardens for a peaceful stroll.
  • Check the schedule for special services or concerts.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Sanssouci Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sanssouci Palace, the Church of Peace is a leisurely walk through the park. Follow the signs towards the Green Gate (Am Grünen Gitter). The church is located near the entrance to the park. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Potsdam Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take bus X15, 605, 606, or 695 to Luisenplatz-Nord/Park Sanssouci. Alternatively, take tram line 91 or 94 to Luisenplatz-Süd/Park Sanssouci. From Luisenplatz, it's a short walk to the Church of Peace. A single public transport fare is approximately €2-3.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Potsdam Central Station to the Church of Peace takes around 10 minutes. Taxi stands are available at the station. The estimated fare is €9-€12.

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Discover more about Church of Peace

Nestled within the grounds of Sanssouci Park, the Church of Peace offers a tranquil escape from the grandeur of Potsdam's palaces. King Frederick William IV, a patron of the arts, commissioned the church in 1845, drawing inspiration from a medieval copperplate depicting the Basilica di San Clemente in Rome. The church was dedicated in 1848, though construction continued until 1854. The design, initially conceived by Ludwig Persius and later overseen by Friedrich August Stüler, reflects a High Medieval Italian monastery. A prominent 42-meter campanile, modeled after the bell tower of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, marks the landscape. Inside, a 13th-century Venetian mosaic adorns the apse, depicting Christ with the Book of Life, flanked by Mary, John the Baptist, St. Peter, and St. Cyprian. This mosaic was acquired from a dilapidated church in Murano and brought to Potsdam by Frederick William IV. Beneath the sanctuary lies the royal vault, the final resting place of Frederick William IV and his wife, Elisabeth Ludovika. The church also features a freestanding bell tower with four bells named Clementia, Gratia, Gloria, and Pax. The interior's wooden coffered ceilings contribute to the excellent acoustics, making it a venue for the International Organ Summer and the Potsdam Winter Opera. Today, the Church of Peace stands as a testament to Prussian royal patronage and a beautiful example of church architecture.

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