Island Church Kirchdorf (Poel)

If you come from Wismar, the island church can be seen from afar. It was built in Romanesque-Gothic style in the first half of the 13th century and enlarged in the 15th century. The church is located in the northern part of the ramparts. Its 47 m high tower is the widely visible landmark of Poels.

It is estimated that the first church on this site was built between 1210 and about 1258. It was a solid brick building in the Romanesque-Gothic style with a tower about 47 meters high. Over the centuries, the church has been steadily expanded, including the nave was increased to make room for a magnificent choir extension.

The island church is partially surrounded by a former rampart that belonged to the former Poel Fortress. This was built in 1620 and was intended to secure the Wismar Bay and the port entrance to Wismar. The fortress with its castle was destroyed in the Thirty Years' War. Today only a few earthen walls remain.