Sieben-Schmerzen-Kapelle, Catholic chapel in Westerholter Wald, Germany
The Sieben-Schmerzen-Kapelle is a church building set in Westerholter Forest with white rendered walls, a pyramidal roof of tiles, and chamfered corners forming a square structure. The building sits quietly among trees and presents a simple, restrained design.
Countess Henrika von Aschebroick zu Schönebeck founded the chapel in 1723, and after severe storm damage in 1940 the building underwent restoration in 1948. The structure reflects a long story of preservation and renewal.
The chapel serves as a gathering place for regular outdoor prayers and processions, particularly during the annual hail procession held on the second Sunday after Corpus Christi. Locals and visitors participate in these spiritual traditions throughout the year.
The location in a forest setting means visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions. A flashlight can be helpful during overcast days or early evening when the forest is dimmer.
Next to the chapel runs the Via Matris path with seven granite steles bearing bronze reliefs that depict Mary's sorrows, stretching about 70 meters through the forest. This artistic route creates a meditative space where nature and faith meet.
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