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Potsdam: Prussia, celebrities and the past

July 4, 2015

Potsdam is the former residence of the Prussian kings and the capital of the state of Brandenburg. Many billions have already been spent to restore the city center along historical lines.

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Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great, is the main attraction for the more than three million tourists who visit Potsdam annually. Frederick acceded to the Prussian throne in 1740. His legacy to Potsdam includes two palaces and splendid parks. In recent years, Brandenburg's capital has become one of the most attractive and expensive cities in Germany.

Dutch quarter
Dutch quarterImage: DW/T. Tropper

Nearly the whole city center has been refurbished. The completely rebuilt city palace was finished in 2013. Since then it has been the seat of the Brandenburg state parliament. St. Nicholas' Church was restored to its former glory in 2010. The Prussian kings left their mark in much of the city, like the Dutch quarter, with its red brick buildings. Nowadays it boasts boutiques, cafés and galleries.