Seemannskirche

The Seemannskirche is a church building in Prerow on the German Baltic coast, distinguished by its characteristic red brick masonry and wooden tower roofed with oak shingles. The structure houses three bells within the tower and stands as an important landmark in the seaside village.

The church was constructed between 1726 and 1728, making it the first house of worship on the Darß peninsula. A major transformation occurred in 1830 when the original half-timbered structure was rebuilt entirely in brick, establishing its current form.

The name reflects the deep connection to seafaring - sailors came here to leave offerings of gratitude for surviving disasters at sea. The collection of ship models displayed inside tells stories of personal thanks and the importance this place held for people whose lives were shaped by the ocean.

The church is accessible to visitors during the season when the building is open. Arriving in the afternoon gives good light inside for viewing the interior details and the collection of ship models on the walls.

The painter Alexej Jawlensky created a recognized artwork of the church in 1911 that gained attention in German art circles at that time. This connection to early 20th-century art adds an unexpected layer of cultural significance beyond its religious role.