Church of Peace

The Church of Peace is a church building in Sanssouci Park, Potsdam, Germany, designed in a style inspired by early Christian architecture from the Byzantine period. The basilica has three naves without a transept and a freestanding bell tower rising 42 meters (138 feet).

King Frederick William IV commissioned this church in 1845, following his own architectural sketches. Architects Friedrich Ludwig Persius and Friedrich August Stüler completed the structure by 1854.

The name reflects the king's wish for peace and harmony in this sacred space. Visitors can see a 13th-century Venetian mosaic in the apse, showing Christ between Mary and John the Baptist, which Frederick William IV rescued from demolition in another building.

The building stands in the Marly Gardens and connects to several pathways leading to other monuments throughout Sanssouci Park. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, as paths can be uneven in places.

Four bells named Gratia, Clementia, Pax, and Gloria survived both World Wars without being melted for military use. They still hang in the campanile and ring regularly today.

Location: Potsdam

Inception: 1854

Architects: Friedrich Ludwig Persius, Friedrich August Stüler, Ludwig Ferdinand Hesse, Ferdinand von Arnim

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture

Part of: Marlygarten (Sanssouci), Sanssouci Park

GPS coordinates: 52.40097,13.04341

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28