Alter Friedhof Potsdam, Historical cemetery in Teltower Vorstadt, Germany

Alter Friedhof Potsdam is a ten-hectare municipal cemetery at Heinrich-Mann-Allee 106, southeast of the main station. Its centrepiece is the Arnim Chapel, a single-storey classical villa-style building with a two-column Ionic portico, a triangular pediment showing three angels lifting a deceased person, and a cross above. Single-storey wings with rectangular windows flank the entrance.

King Friedrich Wilhelm II ordered the cemetery established in 1796 after an older burial ground near Nauener Gate had to close due to groundwater problems. This decision led to the creation of this new facility outside the city limits at the time.

The name Alte Friedhof (Old Cemetery) distinguishes it from the Neuer Friedhof opened across Heinrich-Mann-Allee in 1866. The chapel, now called Arnimsche Kapelle after its architect, holds 54 seats and is used again for funeral services since its restoration was completed in 2017.

Tram lines 90, 92, 93, and 96 stop at Friedhöfe station, from where access to the grounds is just a short walk away. The ceremonial hall has wheelchair access, and the pathways in the park are mostly level and easy to navigate.

The first chapel was designed by Ferdinand von Arnim and funded by merchant August Friedrich Eisenhart, who contributed 8000 thalers for its construction. The relief on the chapel was created by sculptor Wilhelm Koch and shows fine craftsmanship from the early 19th century.