International Potsdam

Potsdam is an international city. Since the Great Elector invited persecuted French Huguenots to settle here with his Edict of Potsdam, immigrants have consistently come from neighboring countries to visit the city or to live or work in Potsdam.

The cityscape of the state capital is an impressive reflection of this dynamic evolution. The Russian Colony Alexandrovka, the Dutch Quarter, the Bohemian Weaver’s Quarter and the French Church are the most conspicuous. But the Italian influence – especially in the architecture – is also clearly visible.

In the small district of Nattwerder, people proudly refer to their ancestors from Switzerland. Craftspeople from different countries contributed to the construction of the palaces. Stuccoers from Switzerland created the elaborate ceiling decoration with inlaid work and Poles later helped to restore and preserve this valuable art.