The Rococo pilgrimage church zum "Scourged Savior", built in the years 1745 - 54 by the brothers Joahnn Baptist Zimmermann and Dominikus Zimmermann, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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background
The statue of the "Scourged Savior" shows the suffering Chrisus on the scourge column and was made for the pilgrimage in 1730 by Father Magnus Straub and brother Lukas Schweiger in Steingaden, but was not used for a long time because of the simple shape made of various wooden parts connected with fabric joints stored in an attic. On June 14, 1738, after she had brought the discarded figure into the bedroom of her farm in Wies, the farmer's wife Maria Lory saw moisture in the eyes of the Scourged Savior, which she took for tears. This miracle of tears and the many answers to prayers that followed were the prelude to a pilgrimage that very quickly reached European dimensions. A first wooden field chapel, built in 1740, was soon no longer sufficient.
The official laying of the foundation stone for the current church took place in 1746. The execution as a total work of art in the curved Rococo style was carried out by the Zimmermann brothers during the heyday of the nearby Premonstratensian monastery in Steingaden.
Different from comparable churches such as the basilica Fourteen saints the ceiling of the church was not vaulted in stone, but made in an economical version as wooden formwork and attached to the wooden beams of the church roof in order to be able to span the wide church space (18m).
In 1754 the church was completed and consecrated.
During the secularization (1803/1804) the building was supposed to be auctioned for demolition, but at the insistence of the faithful it was saved by the population through petitions and personal sacrifices.
In the years 1985 to 1991, the building, which was damaged in many places, was extensively restored strictly in the original version from the 18th century.
The church is the old work of the master builder Dominikus Zimmermann. He remained connected to the Wieskirche until his death in the house he built right next to the church. An inn is now housed in this building.
Today the pilgrimage church has a million visitors from all over the world every year, but the real worshipers are the minority.
getting there
By plane
The nearest commercial airport is the Memmingen Airport - ("Allgäu Airport") approx. 83 km away.
The closest international airport is Munich - Franz Josef Strauss 142 km away. From here offer above all Lufthansa and their partner of Star Alliance Connections to cities in Germany, Europe and worldwide. As the second largest airport in Germany, it is connected to a growing number of cities.
In the street
The pilgrimage church is located in the Wies part of Steingaden. Enter "Wies 12, 86989 Steingaden" as the destination address in the navigation system. In Steingaden, turn towards Echelsbacher Brücke, Rottenbuch, Oberammergau. After approx. 2 km, follow the sign "Wieskirche" and after another 2 km you will reach the church.
mobility
A paid car park is located three minutes' walk in front of the church.
The church is accessible for disabled people via the south entrance.
Tourist Attractions
The church can be visited freely during the day to a limited extent. If there are church services or guided tours, a visit is not allowed. Find out about times for free visits at www.wieskirche.de "Opening times". Church tours only for groups and only by appointment: Pfarramt Wieskirche, Wies 12, 86989 Steingaden; Tel. 0049- (0) 8862 / 93293-0, Fax-10; Individuals can call and ask when a group tour will take place and then join in. In return for free entry, the parish office is happy to receive a donation to preserve the cultural property .
Choir room
The altar in the choir is framed by semicircular columns with figures of evangelists and prophets. The miraculous image can be walked around in side corridors during the pilgrimage.
- The Gandenbild des Scourged Savior is arranged centrally above the altar.
- The High altar picture was made by the Munich court painter Balthasar August Albrecht (1687-1765) in his Munich studio. It shows the baby Jesus surrounded by his family;
- The Ceiling fresco in the choir room was made by Jahann Baptist Zimmermenn and, due to the intensity of its colors, is considered to be one of the best baroque ceiling frescoes ever. Title: The angels offer the instruments of Jesus' suffering to God the Father.
Nave
The nave with an oval baroque floor plan is given a connection around the interior by a row of double columns.
- The Ceiling fresco in the nave shows the risen Christ on the rainbow.
- The organ was made in 1757 by the Mindelheim organ builder Johann Georg Hörtich. In 2010 the organ was largely renewed. The original substance from 1757 was included in the new organ.
- Further sights are the frescoes in the corridor, the figures of the western church fathers on the pillars of the corridor (made by Anton Sturm, 1690-1757), the two side altars and the carving of the wooden confessionals.
Events
During the summer, evening concerts on the organ and other concert series and special concerts take place in the church. Visitors are cordially invited not only to see the church, but also to take part in services. For more information on services and concerts, visit www.wieskirche.de.
respect
The church building is a place of prayer and meeting with God for believing visitors. A correspondingly discreet and calm behavior of all visitors is desired, walking around and taking pictures during the services is not allowed.
accommodation
Gasthof Schweiger, Wies, 86989 Steingaden, Tel. 08862/500, fax 08862/6116; info;
Gasthof Moser, Wies, 86989 Steingaden, Tel. 08862/503, fax 08862/503; info;
other accommodations: see Steingaden;
trips
- In the near Steingaden with his monastery;
- Only 26 km away is Hohenschwangau with its castles (e.g. Neuschwanstein Castle)
literature
- Church leaders in different languages are available in the anteroom of the church or at the kiosks in the area.
Web links
- official site of the Wieskirche with further information;
- District Office Weilheim-Schongau: www.weilheim-schongau.de;
