St.-Annen-Kirche, Archaeological church site in Bad Münder am Deister, Germany
St.-Annen-Kirche was a pilgrimage sanctuary whose foundations lie on a gently rising slope about a mile and a half (1.5 kilometers) east of Bad Munster. Additional structures stood beside the church, likely built to house visitors who came to the site.
The church was built before 1591 and quickly became an important pilgrimage destination. By 1514, a high-ranking church official had amassed enough wealth to loan a substantial sum, showing how prosperous and influential the sanctuary had become.
This site served as a destination for pilgrims seeking healing, who expressed their gratitude through offerings left behind. The church stood on a path that held meaning for people dealing with illness or injury.
The site lies about a mile and a half (1.5 kilometers) from town along a gentle slope and is best reached on foot via the L421 road. Today it is an open archaeological site where you can visit without restrictions.
Excavations in autumn 1999 uncovered building remains north of the church that were likely an inn or hospice for pilgrims. These finds show that the site was not just a shrine but also had facilities to care for and house visitors.
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