Church’s reconstruction has been controversial because of historic links with Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.
Garrison Church’s Troubled History:
The Garrison Church in Potsdam, just west of Berlin, has been the site of a contentious rebuilding project that has drawn both praise and criticism. The church, which was the location of the first meeting of Germany’s parliament after the Nazi takeover in 1933, has a troubled history that has made its reconstruction a divisive issue.
Rebuilding the Tower: A Symbol of Democracy or Militarism?
The church’s original tower was largely destroyed during World War II, and the remaining ruins were demolished in 1968 by the communist East German government. The rebuilding of the tower, which began in 2017 after more than two decades of debate, has been seen by some as a symbol of democracy, while others view it as a reminder of the church’s association with Germany’s military past and the Nazi regime.
Steinmeier Calls for Remembrance and Responsibility:
In a speech at the opening ceremony, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on the public to work together to ensure that the site becomes “a place of democracy.” However, protesters outside the church during the event denounced the tower as a “landmark of terror” and a symbol of militarism.
Cost and Future Plans for the Tower:
The reconstruction project, which cost around €42 million ($47 million), was funded primarily by the German government. According to the Garrison Church Foundation, a 30-meter-high dome will be added to the tower in 2026, making it the tallest building in Potsdam. The tower will open to the public for the first time on Friday.
The contentious nature of the rebuilding project reflects the complex and troubling history of the Garrison Church, which has become a symbol of both Germany’s past and its ongoing efforts to grapple with its legacy.
