Description:
This project revitalised a forgotten vineyard, originally designed as an Italian-style landmark within the UNESCO World Heritage Palaces and Parks of Potsdam. The Winzerberg with its characteristic pentagonal shape is entered through a triumphal gate. A Tuscanstyle wine-maker’s house is located above the terraced vineyard which was used to grow and cultivate grapes, fruits and vegetables for the Royal Court of Frederick II and his successors. The Winzerberg is owned by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG), who provided key partnership and supervision to the project. The project was initiated, planned, conducted and completed by Bauverein Winzerberg Potsdam, a small and independent non-profit-association. Bauverein Winzerberg Potsdam’s members include individuals with various professional backgrounds, including those from the field of cultural heritage. The majority of work was carried out by thousands of helping hands including craftsmen, scientists and businessmen as well as students, apprentices, volunteers, refugees, pensioners and people with disabilities. The project is an excellent model of a grassroots initiative, with the bulk of its financing coming from crowdfunding. Donors could for example, buy a pane of glass for the restoration of the Winzerberg, with each pane costing € 30.00. The donor’s name would be inscribed on the pane of glass, encouraging a sense of ownership for the heritage site in the local community. 5,000 panes have already been sold and further panes are still in strong demand.