Löwenvilla

Whispers of intrigue surround the Löwenvilla. Do you hear them? Here in Potsdam, on Gregor-Mendel-Straße, the Löwenvilla stands as a silent witness to a tumultuous past. Built in 1904 for the Berlin banker Georg Rohn, the Löwenvilla immediately captivates with its neo-baroque grandeur. The two majestic marble lions guarding the main entrance, lend the villa its name, Löwenvilla. The architect, Emil Lorenz, and landscape architect, Julius Trip, created a harmonious blend of opulence and nature. Step closer and admire the grand facade, the sprawling balcony, and the delicate Art Nouveau embellishments. The Löwenvilla isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a time capsule holding secrets of resistance and resilience. In 1932, Major Fritz von der Lancken, a key figure in the July 20, 1944 plot against Hitler, moved into the Löwenvilla, which at that time was on Marienstraße. It became a clandestine meeting place for conspirators. For a few tense days, the explosives meant for Hitler were hidden within these very walls. The Löwenvilla played a crucial, yet dangerous, role in this pivotal moment in history. This brave act, however, came at a steep price. Von der Lancken was executed at Plötzensee prison on September 20, 1944. His family remained at the Löwenvilla until 1952, a testament to their strength and resilience. Afterward, the Löwenvilla served as a guesthouse for the Potsdam University of Education, adding another chapter to its rich history. The Löwenvilla stands as a proud survivor, protected as a historical monument since 1987. The remarkable interior, with its mosaics, parquet floors, and ornate ceilings, remains largely preserved. Today, the Löwenvilla continues to captivate, often serving as a film set. Its walls have witnessed history unfold. Its gardens have offered solace and refuge. And now, the Löwenvilla shares its story with you, a story of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of history.