Our Lady of Altötting, Catholic pilgrimage church in Altötting, Germany.
Our Lady of Altötting is an octagonal chapel decorated inside and out with over 2,000 votive images left by visitors. At its center stands a wooden statue of the Black Madonna that serves as the focal point for prayer and veneration.
The chapel originated in the 7th century and gained widespread attention after 1489 when the survival of a drowned boy following prayer before the Madonna was reported. This event transformed it into a major pilgrimage destination across Europe.
The chapel draws pilgrims who leave behind thousands of silver hearts as tokens of devotion, displayed on its walls as a visible record of personal prayers and hopes.
The chapel is open daily for visitors and pilgrims seeking personal prayer and quiet reflection. The surrounding area is walkable and designed for contemplation, allowing visitors time to view the votive offerings and spend moments in stillness.
The chapel houses 28 silver urns containing hearts of German nobility members, including Bavarian kings and queens, placed within its walls. This unusual practice of heart burial makes it a singular shrine in the Christian world.
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