Shrine of the Holy Relics

The Shrine of the Holy Relics is a Catholic heritage museum located in Maria Stein that houses over 1,200 sacred relics within its Gothic Revival building. The chapel features detailed German carvings throughout its interior, and an upper floor contains galleries documenting the settlement of the region.

Father Francis de Sales Brunner began gathering sacred relics in 1892, an effort the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood continued to maintain and protect. The collection grew over time to become one of the nation's most significant assemblages of religious relics.

The chapel displays German craftsmanship through its carved details and reflects the community's connection to its religious roots. Visitors can see how this place preserves the devotion and heritage of settlers from German-speaking regions.

The site opens at different times depending on the day of the week, with Monday through Thursday being the earliest start time. Plan your visit around these varying hours to make the most of your time exploring the collections and galleries.

The collection includes a fragment believed to be from the True Cross, one of the rarest objects on display. This particular relic draws visitors from various religious traditions seeking connection to this extraordinary piece of history.