The hamlet of Poztupimi was first mentioned in a deed-of-gift document signed by Otto III dated 993 AD. As a city, Potsdam has existed since about the 13th century.
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From 1660,
Potsdam gained renown as residence of the
Prince Electors of Brandenburg. With his
Edict of Potsdam (1685), Frederick William, the Great Elector, codified the spirit of tolerance for which the city is famous. It guaranteed asylum to Huguenot emigres and guaranteed religious freedom in the
Brandenburg territories.
The actual development of
Potsdam into a garrison town and royal residence in grand style began in 1713. From then on, three new churches, the
Church of St. Nicholas, Holy Ghost Church and the
Garrison Church, became hallmark features of the city's silhouette.
The world-renowned
Palace of Sanssouci (1745-47) with
Sanssouci Park arose under his aegis. Further attractions of the park include the
New Palace, Schinkel's Charlottenhof Palace and the
Chinese Tea House.
Also an intrinsic part of the heritage of
Potsdam, which has been declared an historic monument by
UNESCO, are the
New Garden with Cecilienhof Palace and its memorial to the
Potsdam Conference, as well as Babelsberg Park with the one-time residence of Emperor William I. The landscape architect Lenne made of Potsdam a unique scenic park.
Encircled by
numerous Havel lakes, the city is virtually an island in their midst. With their wooded and reed-covered banks, they form a beautifully picturesque landscape of waterways.
