🙏 Chapel of Grace, Altötting
Germany
About This Sacred Site
Altötting is Germany's most important Marian pilgrimage site and the spiritual heart of Bavaria. The Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle) in the town center houses the Black Madonna, a small 13th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that has been venerated since 1489 when two miraculous healings were reported. The chapel is surrounded by a cloister walkway lined with over 2,000 votive pictures left by grateful pilgrims over five centuries. The hearts of Bavarian rulers, including King Ludwig II, are kept in silver urns in the chapel. Pope Benedict XVI, who grew up nearby, called it 'the heart of Bavaria.'
Key Facts
- •Germany's most visited Marian pilgrimage site
- •The Black Madonna has been venerated since miraculous healings in 1489
- •Over 2,000 votive paintings line the cloister walkway around the chapel
- •The hearts of Bavarian kings are preserved in silver urns within the chapel
- •Pope Benedict XVI grew up nearby and called Altötting 'the heart of Bavaria'
Location
Coordinates: 48.2267, 12.6764
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