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Square · Potsdam, Brandemburgo
Alter Markt
Historic square in the centre of Potsdam, surrounded by the Nikolaikirche with its green dome, the old Rathaus, the Palácio Barberini and the reconstructed Stadtschloss.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Alter Markt
The Alter Markt, "Old Market", is the historic heart of Potsdam and has a particular feature: it served at the same time as market square, palace square, church square and town hall. The current layout is largely the work of Frederick the Great and his architects in the second half of the 18th century, inspired by squares in Italy and France.
In the centre stands the Nikolaikirche, the Igreja de São Nicolau, with its large green dome, a project by Karl Friedrich Schinkel completed in the mid-19th century. In front is an obelisk, and on the east side are the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall with a figure of Atlas carrying the globe on top, and the Palácio Barberini, today the Museum Barberini.
During the April 1945 bombing, the so-called Night of Potsdam, the square was heavily hit. The old city palace, the Stadtschloss, was demolished during the East German era. The area's reconstruction was carried out gradually: the Stadtschloss returned with its historic façade and today houses the parliament of the state of Brandenburg, the Landtag, and the Palácio Barberini was also rebuilt.
The result is a spacious square, with light-coloured buildings and Baroque and neoclassical façades, on the banks of the river Havel. It is the natural starting point for a walk through the centre and is just a few minutes from the main station.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to the square; another 30 minutes to the Nikolaikirche when it is open to visitors.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer on the façades. Combine it with the Museum Barberini, which is on the same square.
How to get there
About a 10-minute walk from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, crossing the bridge over the Havel. Several trams stop at the square or beside it.
Tip
The church often offers access up to the dome's colonnade at certain times, with views over the city and the river: check at the entrance whether it is open that day. At the Landtag, the inner courtyard is usually open to the public.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Alter Markt
Are the buildings of Alter Markt original?
Partly. The square was heavily damaged in 1945. The Nikolaikirche and the Altes Rathaus were restored; the Stadtschloss and the Palácio Barberini were rebuilt with historical façades.
Is it far from the train station?
No. It's about a 10-minute walk from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, crossing the Havel river.
What operates today in the former palace on the square?
The rebuilt Stadtschloss houses the Landtag, the state parliament of Brandemburgo.