The Dutch quarter is a colorful architectural ensemble, built in 1733-40. for the Dutch masters. Seasonal fairs are held here, many antique shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and cozy cafes are open.
Dutch Quarter - a unique residential town in the center of Potsdam, photo by Creando
A quarter for Dutch artisans
In the center of Potsdam, near Brandenburger Strasse, there is a colorful architectural ensemble. It was built during the second expansion of Potsdam - in the period 1733-40. Then Friedrich Wilhelm I, who invited the best Dutch artisans to the city, decided to create for the masters a small residential town in the familiar architectural style. The construction of the Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) was led by architect Jan Bowman.
In a unique quarter, 134 brick houses were erected. Few Dutch artisans remained to live in Potsdam. In empty buildings settled foreign traders, representatives of bohemia, the military.
In 1970, Holländisches Viertel was declared dilapidated. Reconstruction has begun.
Holland Quarter (Holländisches Viertel), photo Percy
Dutch quarter today
The buildings of the quarter now house fashion stores, antique shops, souvenir boutiques, restaurants, cozy cafes - establishments that create an authentic Dutch atmosphere in the German city. Potsdam residents love to relax in the Dutch quarter.
This is an atmospheric quarter. On holidays, its streets bloom with lights. In the spring, a multi-color "Tulip Festival" is held; in the fall, the Dutch Pottery Fair opens. Before Christmas, they meet Sinterklaas - the national Santa Claus, who drives to Potsdam on a horse, accompanied by cheerful orchestra musicians.
The house on Mittelstraße, 8, owned by architect Bowman, houses the Holländisches Viertel Museum. It presents volumetric models of houses in the quarter, household items, parts of buildings, reconstruction materials.
How to get there
Take tram 92, 96 to the Potsdam, Nauener Tor stop.
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