Sankt Raphael

Why is that church topped with a weather vane shaped like an angel? That, my friends, is Sankt Raphael, and the angel represents none other than Archangel Raphael himself. Now, Sankt Raphael might seem like a typical church at first glance, but it holds a fascinating history. You see, it’s the northernmost Catholic church in all of Germany! Built in 1988, Sankt Raphael was initially intended for the German Navy personnel stationed in List. The church’s design, with its clinker brickwork and open arms, might remind you of a grove of trees. This was a deliberate choice by the architects, Hansen and Schlums, and artist Emil Wachter, to blend the building with Sylt’s natural beauty. Look closely at the colorful windows. They depict the Biblical story of Raphael and Tobias, a tale of guidance and protection. This ties in beautifully with Raphael being the patron saint of travelers. After the navy base closed in 2006, Sankt Raphael found a new purpose serving the spiritual needs of the many tourists who visit Sylt. So next time you see its angelic weather vane pointing towards the sky, remember the story of Sankt Raphael – a beacon of faith in Germany’s northernmost corner.