Potsdam: Nauen Gate and the Dutch Quarter
The Nauener Tor (Nauen Gate) was built in 1755.
Nauen Gate
Like many European medieval cities, Potsdam as well is protected by a stone city gate. The ‘Nauen Gate’ (Nauener Tor) is one of the 3 remaining city gates in Potsdam today, and perhaps the most conspicuous, that is why it merits a post of its own.
The gate is built in English Gothic Revival architecture which I find more appealing to the eyes than the usual Gothic style architecture we all know and have seen from the big and magnificent churches throughout Europe, e.g. Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Utrecht Dom Tower here in the Netherlands, etcetera. They are too elaborate, too busy.
And I also like that the tram goes through the gate, and that the gate and the square in front of it are occupied with outdoor café terraces on both sides. It’s a beautiful setting indeed for an outdoor cafe. A great place to meet for a quick coffee or refreshment, and of course, to people watch.
Nauener Tor is one of the remaining 3 city gates in Potsdam. The other 2 gates are the 'small' Brandenburger Tor and Jagertor. The 3 gates are connected to each other by promenades and not anymore by city walls.
Dutch Quarter
Nearby, just a block away from the Nauen Gate, I came across a very familiar street. As I stood there at the corner looking at this recognisable lane with red brick houses, I felt I was quickly transported back to the Netherlands. But wait, I am in Potsdam, Germany right?
Excited, I summoned the Dutchman to show him something typically Dutch in Germany, but instead, my excitement was welcomed by a totally uninterested and apathetic look. Truth be told (sadly), he doesn’t give a feck, lol.On this lane all the houses are neatly lined up in Dutch style, from the material—red bricks, to the colour used and to the striking gable façade design. You cannot get more Dutch than this, especially outside of the Netherlands.
I was intrigued, so when I was back in the country I right away googled it. And voila, it is indeed a Dutch historical remnant, it is the ‘Holländisches Viertel’ (Dutch Quarter) and is actually a 2-street quarter with only Dutch style row houses. The area was built in the 1700’s by artisan immigrants from the Netherlands.
A few more of Potsdam next!
Travel Period: March 2012
Destination: Potsdam (Brandenburg), Germany
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