Darlowo - Kościół Matki Bożej

Darlowo (Rügenwalde) was a trading point already in the 11th century, prorected by a fortress named Dirlow. The town, that evolved was destroyed in 1283 during a local war- It got rebuilt and received its city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1312. The town passed to the Duchy of Pomerania in 1347 and over the years Dukes constructed a Ducal Castle on a nearby island and chose it as their seat.

In 1412 Rügenwalde (Darlowo) became part of the Hanseatic League and had its own trade fleet, larger than in other surrounding towns. Boats and ships owned by local merchants travelled as far as Normandy and Spain.

The Kościół Matki Bożej is a Gothic three-nave basilica with a 60-meter-high west tower. Its date of origin is the 14th century.

In 1321 the Bishop of Cammin granted the patronage of the Rügenwald St. Mary's Church to the local nobilty. Around that time the erection of the building may have started,

The church was destroyed by fire four times, so that probably only the outer walls, perhaps the vault, date from ancient times.

The tower hosts a place for the tower keeper.