Longing for a taste of Holland in Germany? Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the Holländisches Viertel. This unique quarter consists of about 134 brick houses built in the Dutch style.
King Friedrich Wilhelm I, also known as the Soldier King, wanted to attract Dutch artisans to Potsdam. He commissioned the construction of the Holländisches Viertel between 1734 and 1742. Jan Bouman, a Dutch master builder from Amsterdam, led the project. He hoped to entice Dutch workers to join him.
Imagine the king’s vision. He admired the technical expertise of the Dutch. The Holländisches Viertel was meant to be a closed quarter. It was inspired by the Noordse Bos district in Amsterdam. It also reflects eclectic Dutch styles from the 17th and 18th centuries.
However, the king’s plan didn’t fully succeed. Not enough Dutch artisans came to Potsdam. So, French and Prussian traders, artists, and soldiers moved into these typical houses instead.
The houses in the Holländisches Viertel display unique architectural features. There are three main types. These are detached eaves houses, terraced eaves houses, and gabled houses. The detached eaves houses are the most distinctively Dutch. They resemble houses in the Netherlands like the Vreedenhoff house near Utrecht. These houses have two stories, five bays, and a central entrance. The entrances boast wooden baroque decorations. These decorations extend to the main cornice.
The gabled houses were originally called half houses. They have two stories, three bays, and about half the living space of the eaves houses.
Other Dutch elements include white square-paned windows. They feature wide white wooden frames and green half shutters called Windläden. Dutch house entrances typically have a fanlight with square glazing. The outer side aligns with the wooden frame. The door leaf is attached to the inside of the frame.
Interestingly, the gabled houses in the Holländisches Viertel originally had only two different gable forms. This conformity doesn’t mirror the streetscapes of 18th-century Holland. In Holland, personal taste and wealth dictated building styles. Potsdam’s uniformity reflects Friedrich Wilhelm I’s preference. He desired practicality and economy.
The Holländisches Viertel suffered decay in the 20th century. But after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was rediscovered. Restoration began with support from the Dutch royal family.
Today, the Holländisches Viertel is a vibrant mix. It offers housing, shops, galleries, workshops, pubs, restaurants, and cafes. This blend attracts both residents and tourists. The Jan Bouman House at Mittelstrasse 8 is now a museum. It showcases the history of the Holländisches Viertel.
The Holländisches Viertel hosts several annual events. There’s a pottery market in September. A Dutch Christmas market Sinterklaas takes place in December. The Tulip Festival occurs in April celebrating Dutch tradition.
As you stroll through the Holländisches Viertel, you’re experiencing more than architecture. You’re walking through a piece of history. It represents the close ties between Holland and Brandenburg. It embodies Brandenburg’s desire to benefit from Dutch expertise. Enjoy the unique flair of this charming area. Take in the atmosphere. Let the Holländisches Viertel transport you to another time and place.