Romanesque 1020-1250  –  Gothic 1235-1520  –  Renaissance 1520-1660  –  Baroque 1660-1780 
Classicism 1755-1830  –  Historicism 1820-1910/40  –  Gründerstyle 1870-1920  –  Art Nouveau 1890-1910

The buildings erected in the seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringdorf and Bansin during the period from the second half of the 19^th century until the First World War clearly reflect the spirit of that era. These constructions were exclusively built as summer residences beside the sea. The owners gave free rein to their architectural wishes and dreams, depending on their financial means. Whether imitating French renaissance palaces, classicism, or based on Italian style, the design and splendour of the buildings competed with each other, reflecting the owner’s social status. Seaside Resort Architecture – „Bäderarchitektur“ in German – is a collective name for a mix of building styles. It is no particular style of art such as renaissance or baroque; it is rather the sum of architectural and stylistic features derived from different epochs. This is what makes these historic buildings something unique and appealing.

The following architectural features are particularly evident in Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin:

· Fronts often with protruding balconies
· Horizontal wooden loggias with filigree woodwork that often
  have vertical projections or turrets
· Baroque putti on the exterior
· Reliefs
· Triangular gables
· Distinctive oriels
· High columns creating an antique impression
· Large Art Nouveau windows
· Broad outside staircases
· Tendrils and other stone decorations on the doors,
  around windows and on the house gables
· Elaborately adorned chimneys and roof gables
· Lavishly designed front doors
· Park-like surroundings
· Capitals decorated with varied ornaments