Russian village in the middle of Germany

Here, in the middle of Germany lies what you can least expect - a tiny Russian village Alexandrowka. It consists of thirteen Russian-style wooden houses, a garden and a church. The colony looks remarkably authentic, although interestingly enough it was designed by an Italian architect. But how could this all happen and why?

After the Saxon-Prussian army was defeated in the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt in 1806, the Kingdom of Prussia was occupied by the French Empire until 1812. The occupation led to Prussia’s participation in the French-led invasion of Russia in 1812. Around 1,000 Russian soldiers found themselves held in Prussia, including 62 in Potsdam. They formed a choir of the First Prussian Regiment of the Guards.

King Frederick William III decided to build a colony for these men north of Potsdam and named it in memory of Russian Tsar Alexander I. Alexandrowka was built between 1826 and 1827 and the remaining 12 soldiers-singers moved in. To provide the Russian guests with a place to worship, the Alexander Nevski Memorial Church was built on a hill nearby. 

A few descendants of the former inhabitants continue to live in the colony today. House Number 2 has been converted into a museum. In 1999 UNESCO declared Alexandrowka a World Heritage Site. 

Read more https://alexandrowka.de/english/

The village can be visited any time without an entrance fee.