There’s plenty to see in the picturesque Marly Garden of Sanssouci Palace Park. Alongside the Orangery Palace, the New Palace, and the Chinese House, the Peace Church awaits. Built starting in 1845 by King Frederick William IV, the three-nave columned basilica was modeled after a Roman church (the early Christian Basilica of San Clemente).
Do you enjoy journeys into forgotten times and foreign worlds? Then why not stop by this fantastic immersive exhibition (with great photo opportunities!) on your way back?
The Friedenskirche: A Roman Replica with an Original Venetian Mosaic
The designs for the building, consecrated in 1848, were created by, among others, the royal court architect Ludwig Persius. Particularly striking is the 42-meter-high, freestanding bell tower (campanile), which dominates the view of the palace park. It is a replica of the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome.
An original mosaic from the early 13th century shines above the altar area. Frederick William IV purchased this Byzantine work of art from a church (San Cipriano) on the Venetian island of Murano that was slated for demolition and had it transported by ship to Potsdam, disassembled into 111 plaster panels. The dimensions of the church were specifically adapted to accommodate this 60-square-meter mosaic .
Crypt and Mausoleum: Who Actually Rests Here?
Beneath the church’s sanctuary lies the royal crypt, where the builder, King Frederick William IV (whose heart, however, is kept in the mausoleum at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin), and his wife Elisabeth Ludovika are buried.
Directly adjacent to the church is the Kaiser Friedrich Mausoleum, built later (between 1888 and 1890). Emperor Friedrich III and his wife Victoria found their final resting place there. Also buried in the mausoleum are two of their children, Princes Sigismund and Waldemar, who died at a young age.
Frederick William I, the “Soldier King,” is also buried here. His sarcophagus was originally located in the Potsdam Garrison Church. But after World War II, it was moved to Hohenzollern Castle and transferred here in 1991.
How to Get to the Friedenskirche in Sanssouci Park
🚗 By car, take the A115 to the Potsdam-Babelsberg exit, follow Nuthestraße, and turn onto the B1 toward Sanssouci. There is a paid parking lot at the Historic Mill of Sanssouci.
🚇 By public transit, take the RE1 (or the S7) to Potsdam Central Station and then take bus 695 to the “Orangerieschloss/Botanischer Garten” stop.
📍 Am Grünen Gitter, Marlygarten in Sanssouci Park, Potsdam
📆 May through October, usually Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.–6 p.m. (closed Nov.–April)
⏳ About 1 hour
💵 Free admission
ℹ️ More info
