Sandau

Germany, Germany

---

Sandau (Elbe) is a small historic town in the Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, situated picturesquely on the Elbe River's banks about 5 km south of Havelberg.

First mentioned in 1190 as "Villa Sandowe" after originating as a Slavic settlement post-983, it gained town rights and a chartered ferry privilege in 1272, developing a fortified layout that endured wars, floods, plagues, and devastating fires like the near-total destruction in 1695.

Key landmarks include the Romanesque-Gothic St. Laurentius/Nikolaus Church from around 1200, built with Dutch colonists' help for dike-building expertise, and a vital Elbe ferry operational since 1273 despite interruptions in conflicts.

The town suffered 80% destruction in 1945 from WWII artillery after a failed surrender attempt, with its church tower rebuilt recently through community efforts, preserving its role as an agricultural hub of "Ackerbürger" amid unspoiled landscapes.