Altötting

For well over 1,000 years, pilgrims have travelled from across Europe to the small, spiritual town of Altötting in Germany’s Bavaria region. Found 90 km east of Munich near the German-Austrian border, Altötting is one of the seven most important Marian pilgrimage sites in Europe, also known as the “Shrines of Europe.”Millions of religious believers make their way to this holy pilgrimage destination each year to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Altötting (also known as the Chapel of Grace or Gnadenkapelle in German). Legend has it that a toddler once drowned in a nearby river and was revived when his mother laid him before the town’s special statue of the Virgin Mary.Altötting is an essential stop on several pilgrimage routes including the Benedict Route, Saint Rupert's Pilgrimage Route, and the Wolfgang Route.Top six things to do in Altötting1.

Pay a visit to the sacred Chapel of GraceThe Chapel of Grace, dating back to around AD 700, is Bavaria’s national shrine and Germany’s oldest Marian shrine. The tiny octagonal chapel houses silver urns containing the hearts of Bavarian Kings and a famous Virgin Mary statue called “Black Madonna” made of darkened lime tree or coniferous wood. You simply can’t miss seeing this important site while in Altötting.2. Admire the impressive interior of the StiftspfarrkircheAlso known as the Collegiate Church of Saints Philip and James, this monumental Catholic church was founded in 1228. Stiftspfarrkirche has two imposing towers and an ornate interior with several paintings and murals, stained glass, and a large organ. The church has been rebuilt various times, with its current facade representing a late Gothic style.3. Surround yourself in opulence at the Treasure Chamber and Pilgrimage MuseumWhen in town, you should absolutely check out the holy treasures stored at Altötting’s Treasure Chamber and Pilgrimage Museum. Here you’ll find an array of valuable cultural objects including the famed Goldene Rössl (Golden Horse) shrine, which was a gift from the French Queen Isabeau de Bavière and is said to be one of the most precious art pieces in Europe. 4. Marvel at a Catholic art masterpiece inside the Panorama AltöttingThe Panorama Altötting is a rotunda dedicated to holding an enormous, intricate circular painting, the Jerusalem Panorama, which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Finished in 1903 by Gebhard Fugel, the Jerusalem Panorama covers 1200 m² of canvas. Visitors to this UNESCO cultural heritage site will be treated to a 360° art experience. 5. Gaze at the St. Anna Basilica’s Neo-baroque architectureWhen it was built in the 20th century, the Basílica of St. Anna was the largest church in Germany. Today, it's still the largest church in Altötting both in size and capacity and it functions as the town’s main place of worship. The building itself was constructed with a stunning Baroque Revival style facade. If you’re on a pilgrimage through Altötting, you have to drop by this spot.6. Follow one of the many pilgrimage routes from AltöttingThose looking to continue their spiritual immersion can venture off on any of the pilgrimage routes connected to Altötting. This town has served as a major pilgrim centre for many years and continues to receive droves of pilgrims annually. Whether you explore on foot or by bike, there’s a route for everyone.Pay a visit to the sacred Chapel of GraceThe Chapel of Grace, dating back to around AD 700, is Bavaria’s national shrine and Germany’s oldest Marian shrine. The tiny octagonal chapel houses silver urns containing the hearts of Bavarian Kings and a famous Virgin Mary statue called “Black Madonna” made of darkened lime tree or coniferous wood. You simply can’t miss seeing this important site while in Altötting.2. Admire the impressive interior of the StiftspfarrkircheAlso known as the Collegiate Church of Saints Philip and James, this monumental Catholic church was founded in 1228. Stiftspfarrkirche has two imposing towers and an ornate interior with several paintings and murals, stained glass, and a large organ. The church has been rebuilt various times, with its current facade representing a late Gothic style.3. Surround yourself in opulence at the Treasure Chamber and Pilgrimage MuseumWhen in town, you should absolutely check out the holy treasures stored at Altötting’s Treasure Chamber and Pilgrimage Museum. Here you’ll find an array of valuable cultural objects including the famed Goldene Rössl (Golden Horse) shrine, which was a gift from the French Queen Isabeau de Bavière and is said to be one of the most precious art pieces in Europe. 4. Marvel at a Catholic art masterpiece inside the Panorama AltöttingThe Panorama Altötting is a rotunda dedicated to holding an enormous, intricate circular painting, the Jerusalem Panorama, which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Finished in 1903 by Gebhard Fugel, the Jerusalem Panorama covers 1200 m² of canvas. Visitors to this UNESCO cultural heritage site will be treated to a 360° art experience. 5. Gaze at the St. Anna Basilica’s Neo-baroque architectureWhen it was built in the 20th century, the Basílica of St. Anna was the largest church in Germany. Today, it's still the largest church in Altötting both in size and capacity and it functions as the town’s main place of worship. The building itself was constructed with a stunning Baroque Revival style facade. If you’re on a pilgrimage through Altötting, you have to drop by this spot.6. Follow one of the many pilgrimage routes from AltöttingThose looking to continue their spiritual immersion can venture off on any of the pilgrimage routes connected to Altötting. This town has served as a major pilgrim centre for many years and continues to receive droves of pilgrims annually. Whether you explore on foot or by bike, there’s a route for everyone.