The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary church

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary church is a branch church belonging to the parish of St John Cantius in Dobrowo. It was built in an eclectic style. The patrons of the church were the members of the von Kleist family. The church in Żytelkowo was presumably built after this area was visited by Bishop Otto of Bamberg. That is why it is believed the church could have been built approximately in 1128. The present appearance of the church comes from the 18th century. Later on, the building was renovated and rebuilt. In 1643, the imperial troops under the command of General von Krockow destroyed the church. The altar, pulpit, and pews were then pulled out. The style of the church was violated, and the priest’s house was plundered. The destroyed building was renovated due to its patrons whose names and coats of arms can be found in the church. After the Second World War, the church became a Roman Catholic church. It is an aisleless building without separated presbytery. The church has a pitched roof and lanceted windows. Almost the entire furnishings constituting an arbour complex have been preserved. Among noteworthy items are a baroque high altar from 1655, a pulpit from 1569, a stone stoup located on the right of the door, probably dating back to the Middle Ages, pipe organ internal galleries from the 19th century, a bell from 1756, and a baroque baptismal font. Some historic items from the church have been handed over to the Museum of the Central Pomerania in Słupsk.

The church is nicely located, in the centre of the village, on a flat ground surrounded by a grassy clearing. In the vicinity of the building, there are single old maples, horse chestnuts, ashes, and lindens. The churchyard is surrounded by a fence made of concrete segments. Formerly, there used to be a cemetery near the church, but it does not exist anymore.

Masses’ schedule: Sun: 12 am, Thu: 5 pm (summer 6 pm).