Eiche

In 1193, a small village nestled near Potsdam first appeared in recorded history. This village, Eiche, remained relatively unchanged for centuries, a quaint linear settlement. Our journey through time brings us to 1771, a pivotal year for Eiche. Frederick the Great, known for his grand vision and meticulous attention to detail, commissioned a new church. He envisioned a magnificent structure, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The task fell upon the skilled architect Georg Christian Unger, and the result is the Village Church of Eiche. Now, imagine yourselves standing before this architectural gem. Its neo-classical style evokes a sense of timeless elegance. In 1999, a silver-tipped spire was added to the church, reaching 33 meters into the sky. This spire replaces the original, which met a dramatic end in 1945, shot down by the advancing Soviet army. Step inside the church and let your gaze fall upon the small organ, a creation of Wilhelm Sauer from Frankfurt/Oder, dating back to 1882. Notice the colorful ornaments adorning the organ pipes, a charming touch suggested by none other than Crown Princess Victoria. Two more historical treasures reside within these walls. A bronze bell, cast around 1500, resonates with the echoes of centuries past. A depiction of the Last Supper graces the altar, a work inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece and brought to life by the Rhineland portrait painter Egidius Mengelberg. Eiche, however, is more than just its beautiful church. From 1881 onwards, Eiche began to expand, evolving from a simple linear village. The late 20th century brought significant changes. In 1993, Eiche became a locality (Ortsteil) of Potsdam. The 1990s saw further development with the construction of a new residential quarter north of the village, on the fields of Altes Rad. Today, Eiche thrives as a community of over 4,000 residents.