Dutch Quarter

Text courtesy of "TMB"

THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER

The historic city center with its numerous, unique architectural ensembles that even today reflect on the manifold history of the onetime capital city and garrison town. Under the “Soldier King” Frederick William I, from 1732 – 1742 new quarters were created through the expansion of the second Baroque quarter. The diversity of building styles from this period can be seen along Brandenburg Street and the side streets. The most prominent example of this period is the Dutch Quarter - the largest Dutch settlement outside the Netherlands - built for Dutch craftsmen and emigrants. Today, pubs, cafés and small shops characterise the special flair of this quarter with its red brick buildings. The historic center of Potsdam is also home to New Market Square, one of the best conserved Baroque squares in Europe. The original historic architecture includes the former Royal Carriage Stables, now home to the House of Brandenburg-Prussian History (Haus der Brandenburgisch-Preußischen Geschichte).