Brandenburg Gate (Potsdam) facts for kids
The Brandenburg Gate (which in German is Brandenburger Tor) in Potsdam is a famous landmark. It's located on Luisenplatz. Don't mix it up with the other famous gate of the same name in Berlin! This gate was built in 1770 and 1771. Two architects, Carl von Gontard and Georg Christian Unger, designed it. They built it for Frederick II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great. The gate stands at the west end of Brandenburger Straße. This street goes straight to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.
History of the Gate
Before this grand gate, a simpler one stood in the same spot. It was built in 1733 and looked like a castle entrance. This old gate was part of the city wall. City walls and gates were like a toll barrier back then. They helped control who entered and left the city. They also stopped soldiers from running away (desertion) and prevented people from bringing in illegal goods (smuggling).
Towards the end of the Seven Years' War, King Frederick the Great decided to tear down the old gate. He wanted a new, impressive gate. This new Brandenburg Gate was built to celebrate his victory in the war. It became a symbol of his success.
Around the year 1900, the city wall was taken down. Because of this, the Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam now stands by itself. It's a free-standing monument, no longer connected to a wall.
Images for kids
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The Brandenburg Gate from the field side, designed by Georg Christian Unger
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The Brandenburg Gate from the city side, designed by Carl von Gontard
