Wieskirche

The Wieskirche church at Pfaffenwinkel
UNESCO-World Heritage since 1983

The ”pilgrimage church to the Scourged Saviour” (Wieskirche) at the foot of the Alps is widely regarded as one of the most perfect examples of Bavarian rococo. It is one of the few churches of the 18th century preserved in its original style, and it is described in the art history books as a true masterpiece.

Dominikus Zimmermann enlisted the help of a number of other leading artists of the time to create the undisputed highlight of this very Bavarian style of rococo architecture in 1745-1754. After tears were first seen on the figure of the ”Scourged Saviour” on 14 June 1738, the Wieskirche quickly became an unimaginably popular place of pilgrimage.

The church can be seen from far away, perched atop a small rise in the middle of its meadow (Wiese in German). Its architecture and interior are shaped by the idea of the pilgrimage, redolent with suffering, penance and salvation.

Every detail of the outstanding, but never outlandish decoration contributes to the overall look. The Wieskirche brings together architecture, imagery and stucco to form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts; a work of art that provides a splendid setting for the miraculous figure of the Scourged Saviour.

Route Suggestion
From the Wieskirche pilgrimage church in Pfaffenwinkel to the island of Reichenau