Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Wendish

The area at the river Rega was the site of a Wendish settlement in the 9th century. After the Pomeranian rulers had invited German settlers Trzebiatów (= Treptow) obtained town rights in 1277. In 1416, the town became part of the Hanseatic League, then served as a trade post and developed architecturally, with a typical Brick Gothic-style influence. From 1648 the town was part of Brandenburg-Prussia, the later Kingdom of Prussia. In 1504, Johannes Bugenhagen moved to the town and became Rector of the local school. In December 1534 a diet was assembled here, where the Dukes Barnim XI and Philip I as well as the nobility officially introduced Lutheranism to Pomerania, against the vote of the Prince-Bishop of Cammin. In the following month Bugenhagen drafted the new church order, founding the Pomeranian Lutheran church. The church existed here since the beginning of the 13th century. The present church was built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. Since the Reformation it served as a Protestant town church. After the flight and expulsion of the German population at the end of WWII, it again became a Catholic church.

The area at the river Rega was the site of a Wendish settlement in the 9th century. After the Pomeranian rulers had invited German settlers Trzebiatów (= Treptow) obtained town rights in 1277. In 1416, the town became part of the Hanseatic League, then served as a trade post and developed architecturally, with a typical Brick Gothic-style influence. From 1648 the town was part of Brandenburg-Prussia, the later Kingdom of Prussia. In 1504, Johannes Bugenhagen moved to the town and became Rector of the local school. In December 1534 a diet was assembled here, where the Dukes Barnim XI and Philip I as well as the nobility officially introduced Lutheranism to Pomerania, against the vote of the Prince-Bishop of Cammin. In the following month Bugenhagen drafted the new church order, founding the Pomeranian Lutheran church. Most of the houses on the market date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. In the backdrop is the tower of the St. Mary´s Church "Kościół Macierzyństwa Najświętszej Marii Panny".

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945. The early Gothic baptismal font is surrounded by a richly decorated Baroque curtain grille from 1685.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945. The main altar is a Gothic triptych dating from the end of the 15th century. In the centre is the scene of the Assumption of the Mother of God.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945. The Gothic crucifix dates from the late 15th century.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945. The Gothic cloister.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945. The Gothic cloister.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. A predecessor of the cathedral was a wooden church, built in 1176 It was here that the Pomeranian bishopric received its name, the Diocese of Cammin. Cammin remained the bishop's seat until 1810. The church was originally built in Romanesque style. Around 1250 the southern portal was built, but in 1308 the unfinished church building was destroyed by the Brandenburg army. The construction of the basilica continued in the Gothic style. After 1310, arcades were built on the north side, and in the years 1325 to 1350, rooms were built in the east wing of the cathedral. At the beginning of the 14th century the Gothic steeple was erected. After the Reformation the church became part of the Pomeranian Evangelical Church in 1535. It remained Lutheran until 1945. During the Thirty Years' War the interior was destroyed and the tower collapsed. In 1802 the Gothic tower was demolished. In 1855 renovation works were carried out and a new bell tower in neo-Gothic style was built. The cathedral treasury was completely lost in 1945.

A Slavic fortress of the Wends was mentioned in 1107. When Polish Duke Bolesław III conquered Pomerania, he brought Bishop Otto of Bamberg to the country for Christianisation. Otto stayed here in 1128 to baptize the Slavs. In 1128, Otto undertook another missionary journey to Pomerania, during which he again stayed in Cammin. Duke Wartislaw I, who ruled between 1121 and 1135, had his residence in Cammin - thus this was the first known seat of a Pomeranian duke. The bishopric of Cammin was founded by Henry the Lion in 1175 with Bishop Konrad I of Salzwedel. At this time, Duke Casimir I had St. John's Cathedral built. Brandenburg troops destroyed the town in 1273, which was rebuilt a year later with the participation of German immigrants. Duke Barnim I granted city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1274. In 1308, the city, including the cathedral, was partially destroyed as a result of disputes between the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Pomerania. The Reformation was introduced in Pomerania in 1535. From 1556 the Pomeranian dukes administered the bishopric of Cammin until 1648, when it fell to the Electorate of Brandenburg as a secular principality. The late Gothic town hall stands in the middle of the market square. Its origins date back to the middle of the 14th century. The building was restored after WWII.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - The Castle of the Dukes of Pomerania was the best-preserved castle of the Griffin dukes, who died out during the Thirty Years' War. It was almost completely destroyed during WWII. It was not until the 1980s that it was reconstructed in the Renaissance style. Now it is one of the largest cultural centers in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship under the polish name Zamek Książąt Pomorskich ("Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes"). Here it is seen from the bridge over the Oder river.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - For centuries, the fair in honor of St. James has been held around the cathedral. Over they day it is very busy and in the evenings are concerts. Coquilles Saint-Jacques everywhere.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - The first wooden church, dedicated to Peter and Paul, was built here in 1124 when Otto of Bamberg came with the mission of Christianization. This church was burned during the Danish invasion in 1189. The new church, built with bricks was erected 1223-1237. In 1425 construction of the church seen today began. In 1460, the church was extended to the west by one bay, much wider than the rest and topped with a tower. In 1534 it was converted into a protestant temple. In 1556 the tower was dismantled and the western facade was rebuilt. In 1602 the church was topped with the existing bell tower. Since 1946 the church belongs to the Polish Catholic Church as a parish church. Unfortunately, it was locked.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - The Ratusz Staromiejski (= old town hall) was built in the 15th century on the site of a wooden building from the 13th century. After being destroyed during the Brandenburg invasions it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. It was destroyed during WWar II and was rebuilt in Gothic style. The facade facing the market has retained its Baroque style.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - During WWII, bombing raids caused extensive damage. About 90 % of all buildings of the Old Town and the harbor area were devasted at the end of the war. Standing on the tower of the cathedral facing east. A part of the Old Town like the old town hall (left) and the colorful houses that line the marketplace "Rynek Sienny" got reconstructed.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - During WWII, bombing raids caused extensive damage. About 90 % of all buildings of the Old Town and the harbor area were devasted at the end of the war. Standing on the tower of the cathedral facing east. A part of the Old Town like the old town hall and the colorful houses that line the marketplace "Rynek Sienny" got reconstructed.

A Slavic settlement, that developed into a fortress, existed on a hill above the left bank of the River Oder in the 8th century. In 967 the area was brought into dependence by the Polish Duke Mieszko I. Another hundred years later, a new Wendish settlement was established below the castle, which became an important trading and port centre. The Kingdom of Poland under the dynasty of the Piasts took Szczecin in 1091. Pomerania made itself free again, but in 1119/21 under Duke Boleslaw III, Pomerania was again attacked, devastated and occupied. The latter summoned Bishop Otto of Bamberg to convert the pagan Wends to Christianity. During the "Wendish crusade" the castle was besieged in 1147. The capture was averted by the intervention of the Bishop of Cammin, who had claimed that the inhabitants had already converted to Christianity. In 1173 the Danes captured the castle, destroyed it, but rebuilt it in 1190. The Danes ruled the country until 1227. Meanwhile, Germans had settled next to the Wendish settlement and founded the "Upper Town" and later the "Lower Town". In the Upper Town, the Jacobi Church was built from 1180 to 1187, donated by the merchant Beringer of Bamberg. Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania (= "Barnim the Good") granted the Wendish settlement together with the German suburbs as "oppidum Stetin" the town charter in 1243. It was further promoted through customs remission, trade privileges and fishing rights so that the city strengthened economically. In 1245 the construction of a town hall was allowed. In 1263 the construction of St. Mary's Church began. The construction of a harbour gave the town a further boost, which led to membership in the Hanseatic League in 1278. Duke Otto I officially made Szczecin the residential city of Pomerania in 1309. At the end of the 14th century, Szczecin's economy received another boost when, in the course of the conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order, the city was granted extensive trading privileges in order to replace Gdansk, which was dominated by the Order. During the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes occupied the town. It remained Swedish even after the Peace of Westphalia. During the Nordic War, Russian troops besieged Szczecin in 1713. With the Peace of Stockholm in 1720, King Frederick William I succeeded in acquiring Szczecin for Prussia. From 1806 to 1813 Szczecin was occupied by the French. After Napoleon's expulsion, Prussia was back and so Szczecin became German in 1871. After the Second World War, the German "Stettin" became the Polish "Szczecin". At that time, only about 80,000 Germans and 6000 Poles still lived in the devastated city. The German population was pushed out and Poles from the former Polish eastern territories settled in. Today Szczecin is a lively town with about 400.000 inhabitants - During WWII, bombing raids caused extensive damage. About 90 % of all buildings of the Old Town and the harbor area were devasted at the end of the war. Standing on the tower of the cathedral facing west nearly all buildings are less than 60 years old.