No description could possibly prepare us for the beautiful Wieskirche Church of the Scourged Savior Church of the Meadow (simply known as ‘The Church of The Meadows’). Located near Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany and in between Linderhoff Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle of King Ludwig, it is often missed by tourists. A treasure to be found!
Upon walking up to the church, one views a very simple yellow exterior. But upon entrance to the church, a magnificence that is as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel appears.
Our jaws dropped in awe at first sight of this artistic splendor.
This is a pilgrimage church for Christians, primarily Catholics, and is one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites.
Still on our second day touring Bavaria, our tour guide, Frederico, told us it was one of the most beautiful church painted ceilings. I asked him if he thought it was more beautiful than the Sistine Chapel in Rome. He said to us before we went inside the church, “Just wait . . . you’ll see”.
So from the meadow to the interior of the church, I’ll give you a very brief glimpse of what we saw:
the huge, peaceful meadow in which the church is set
a beautiful, simple yellow exterior of Wieskirche
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the church towers over us as we walk closer
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looking to the front of the church at the marble altar
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the magnificent altar that draws thousands of pilgrims each year
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one of the ‘smaller’, yet grand altars on the side of the church interior
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beautiful candles that I lit a few with my own personal prayers
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looking up to the grand pipe organ in the back balcony of the church
just amazing!
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I have to say that this experience of viewing this beautifully painted church ceiling was nearly as wonderful as seeing the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy. What was so surprising about this church’s interior, is that it was truly unexpected.
To learn more about this beautiful church, why it is such an important church for Christian pilgrims, but also for it’s place in the world of art, click on this link! I certainly cannot write anything that would do this site any justice and honor, so I hope that you’ll visit the web-site to learn more about Wieskirche.
Your photos are great of the beautiful church, Roz! All of Bavaria and esp Oberammergau with the Passion Play, which was unfortunately not playing when we were there. I hope you get to ride up the Zugspitze in Garmisch for the beautiful views! That area in Europe defies description, so gorgeous, thanks for the post!
Hi Pam, the Passion Play was not showing when we were in Oberammergau either. It would certainly be nice to experience though, wouldn’t it?
Roz
wow so beautiful and what a fun trip love Germany 🙂
Happy new year
I agree Rebecca! Germany is beautiful!
Roz
Wow, that’s impressive. And I’m blessed to be able to say I’ve seen the Sistine chapel in person. This place looks amazing.
Monday, Yes, you are blessed to have been able to visit the Sistine Chapel. If you’re ever in Germany, you need to see the two churches that I’ve posted about . . . although they aren’t the equal of the Sistine Chapel, they are still jaw-dropping gorgeous and with no crowds since they are very well-kept secrets!
Roz
Wow, that is one rococo church. Just gorgeous and unexpected. Your trip looks and sounds like a dream.
Thanks Linda, It truly was a dream trip and one that we hope to enjoy again and for a longer period of time!
Roz
I remember the first time I saw the church, there was snow on the ground and not a soul in the church. It was most impressive. Anytime we are in the area, we stop at this beautiful church. As you said, from the outside, you have no idea of the interior waiting for you.
What a joy for you to be able to visit this place and this region so often, Karen. Truly a blessing. If we can return just one more time, I’d be so grateful and overjoyed to see this beauty again.
Roz
My goodness, that is a beautiful church! Lovely photos, Roz!
Thank you Susan. All of those churches over in Germany were just mind-boggling beautiful. Glad you’re enjoying glimpses of our trip in December!
Roz