Imagine rows of small houses, each whispering tales of faith and resilience. These are the Kolonistenhäuser in der alten Kolonie Nowawes. They stand as a testament to a unique chapter in Potsdam’s history.
Nowawes. The name itself means “new village” in Czech. It hints at the origins of its first residents. In the mid-18th century, King Frederick II of Prussia sought to boost his kingdom’s economy. He also wanted to offer refuge to persecuted Protestants. He invited weavers and spinners from Bohemia to settle east of Potsdam. These were people fleeing religious persecution in their homeland. They were seeking a new life.
The king’s vision led to the creation of Nowawes. It was a planned colony designed to house these newcomers. Construction began in 1751. The Kolonistenhäuser were built quickly. The first houses went up along what are now the Alte Lindenstrasse and Priesterstrasse. More homes were built around the Friedrichskirchplatz.
These weren’t grand estates. They were modest homes. Each house provided space for a family to live and work. Initially, two-thirds of the settlers were from Bohemia. Later, other craftsmen arrived. These included carpenters, bakers, and tailors. They were needed to complete the New Palace. Even the parents of composer Franz Benda lived in these Kolonistenhäuser.
Life in Nowawes was hard. Weavers faced constant challenges. They included undernourishment and disease. They often died young. Over time, Nowawes transformed from a small colony into a bustling industrial town. Textile factories emerged in the mid-19th century. More industries followed including locomotive and film production.
Despite industrial growth, the Kolonistenhäuser remained. Today, about two-thirds of the original houses still stand. They are protected as a historical ensemble. One example is the Kolonistenhaus Lehmann. It was built in 1753. In 1760, George Lehmann became its first owner. He was a cotton worker from Saxony. The house remained in the hands of weavers until 1889.
The Kolonistenhäuser represent more than just old buildings. They symbolize religious freedom. They also represent economic opportunity. They remind us of the people who came to Nowawes seeking a better future. As you wander through the streets of Nowawes, take a moment to appreciate these historic homes. They are silent witnesses to a remarkable story of migration and transformation.