Alter Friedhof Potsdam, Historical cemetery in Teltower Vorstadt, Germany
Alter Friedhof Potsdam is a historic burial ground in the Teltower Vorstadt district covering ten hectares. The site contains graves from different eras, monuments, and a chapel set among landscaped pathways and old tree rows.
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 refers to the facility that is no longer in active use but remains one of the city's oldest preserved burial grounds. Visitors notice the connection to agriculture through fruit trees along the paths, a reminder of times when parts of the site also grew potatoes and mulberry plants.
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.
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