The square takes its name from the large water basin built in 1737 to drain the surrounding marshy land.
The St. Peter and Paul Church was designed by August Stüler and Johann Heinrich Haeberlein, opening in 1870.
The Soviet war cemetery on the square holds the remains of over 100 soldiers killed in the 1945 Battle of Potsdam.
The current church building represents a unique blend of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Italian Renaissance architectural styles.
During the 18th century, the square served as a drilling ground for the Prussian military.
Bassinplatz is the largest town square in Potsdam, notable for its dual character as a central market space and a site of historical reflection. The square is defined by the St. Peter and Paul Church, a Catholic parish church featuring a distinctive bell tower and cupola. A Soviet war memorial cemetery occupies a significant portion of the square, containing the graves of soldiers who died during the final days of World War II. The name 'Bassinplatz' derives from a former water basin (Bassin) originally constructed here for Dutch settlers in the 18th century. The square served as a central hub for weekly markets and regional trade throughout the city's history. Today, it maintains its function as an active urban plaza surrounded by historic residential architecture. The site remains a primary intersection for the pedestrian flow within the city center. The surrounding area preserves the grid layout characteristic of the Potsdam city expansion. The memorial section maintains strict protocols for visitors regarding respectful conduct.
From the edge of the square looking toward the St. Peter and Paul Church to capture the full silhouette of the cupola.
Visit during the morning hours to see the local weekly market stalls in operation.
Take time to read the memorial plaques surrounding the Soviet cemetery for historical context.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Dutch Quarter, which is only a short distance away.
Do not treat the war memorial area as a recreational space for picnics or loud social gatherings.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor when walking through or near the Soviet war cemetery.
