A laconic baroque style structure, visible from almost every niche of the Bavarian town of Grossheubach, Germany dominates the scenery. The village wrapped around the foot of Engelberg Hill (Hill of Angels) on which stood Kloster Engelberg (Engelberg Abbey), a well known site of pilgrimages documented as far back as 1406. The Abbey has withstood many transformations through the centuries and is currently a Franciscan monastery.
The center of pilgrimage is an early 14th century painted wooden image of a smiling Mother Mary located inside a chapel. Pilgrimage way to the Abbey is a tranquil ascent up 612 steps of red sandstone that cuts through the town’s fertile vineyards. Along the route, 14 chapels and 14 stations of the cross, placed intermittently against the majestic panorama where the town meets the river, inspire pilgrims to deeper contemplation.
