Platz der Einheit (Unity Square), Potsdam

Unity Square, originally known as Wilhelmplatz until 1946, is one of the oldest and most historically significant squares in Potsdam. It was established during the reign of King Friedrich Wilhelm I, known as the "soldier king," and is now a central public transport hub.

Originally, the area was a lake called the Faule See. During Potsdam's expansion in 1724 under Friedrich Wilhelm I, the lake was filled in and replaced with townhouses, starting the square’s development. Due to the marshy land, additional filling was needed in 1831. Master horticulturist Peter Joseph Lenné redesigned the square, naming it Wilhelmplatz after King Friedrich Wilhelm II. A bronze statue of King Friedrich Wilhelm III by August Kiß was added in 1845. In 1862, Lenné redesigned the square again, adding tree rows and diagonal paths to enhance its appearance.

During World War II, much of the surrounding architecture, including a palatial building on the north side and a synagogue, was destroyed, leading to the square's temporary use for agricultural purposes. In 1946, the square was renamed Unity Square (Platz der Unity) to commemorate the forced unification of the SPD and KPD into the SED, a move that remains controversial and has prompted ongoing discussions about a possible renaming since the fall of communism. The bronze statue of Friedrich Wilhelm III was melted down in 1950 during a period of communist iconoclasm.

Unity Square is a large rectangular space measuring approximately 250 by 150 meters. Its design blends classic and modern architecture, featuring expansive lawns, rows of trees, and a distinctive X-shaped crossroads that traverses the center of the lawn. The square's paths are illuminated with a bluish glow at night, adding a modern touch to its historical ambiance.