Around Munich, there are many pilgrimage sites hidden away from the towns and villages, of which one hardly suspects their existence. For centuries, a tree has been growing in the Maria Eich Chapel, and Maria Brunn was once a spa that even Sisi visited. Maria Elend near Dietramszell, which has stood here since the 17th century, also joins the ranks of these secluded chapels . The small octagonal structure proves that a church doesn’t have to be large to be impressive.
A Place of Refuge
During the Thirty Years’ War, several persecuted people are said to have prayed to the Mother of God for salvation near Dietramszell. Shortly thereafter, they discovered a hole in the ground in the forest where they could hide. A chapel was then built on the spot, which was replaced by the current church in 1687 because the old building had become too small to accommodate the influx of visitors. Behind the altar, you can still see a pit today that commemorates this story. For a long time, it remained open, and sick pilgrims would crouch inside it to pray for healing. Eventually, however, the pit was covered over, so you can no longer enter it today.
The church was consecrated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary upon its completion in 1690. Nevertheless, it has borne the name Maria Elend only since 1827; before that, it was simply called Elend Kircherl. Inside the church, behind the Rococo altar, you’ll find a statue of the scourged Jesus in a sort of grotto. On the other side of the pillar of the scourging, you’ll see his suffering mother, Mary. The two figures were reportedly found buried in the ground, as the pit also commemorates.
Baroque Gem: Marian Elend
The main structure of Maria Elend, like the Chapel of Grace in Altötting, is an octagon—a rather atypical shape for churches. It features a pointed roof, while the tower is crowned by an onion dome. The church was last renovated in 1964. Inside, in addition to depictions of Jesus and Our Lady of Sorrows, you’ll discover a ceiling fresco showing the sick and suffering, who are also turning toward Mary and Jesus. This once again reflects the significance of Maria Elend as a place of refuge.
The walls of Maria Elend are adorned with around 160 votive plaques. Set in ornate frames, they depict various scenes from the times of the plague and cholera, as well as scenes from the Tölzer Land region. If you ever want to stop by this pilgrimage church in the forest yourself, hopefully it will be only as a curious visitor and not because you’re terminally ill. If you’re planning a day trip to the Kirchsee for a swim and are coming from Reutberg Abbey, the path will take you past Maria Elend. So be sure to take a short detour there before continuing on your way.
