Zellhof, Farm complex and pilgrimage church in Mattsee, Austria.
Zellhof is a farm complex with a chapel in Mattsee situated on a land bridge between Obertrumersee and Grabensee lakes at 514 meters elevation. The property contains multiple agricultural buildings, a religious sanctuary, and various structures that shaped life and work at this location over centuries.
The site was first documented in 1458 as a chapel dedicated to Saint George and became part of Stift Mattsee's holdings through direct purchase in 1789. These two dates mark the origins and a significant turning point in the development of this religious center.
The chapel became a pilgrimage site in the late 1600s when a healing spring was discovered and a carved replica of the Black Madonna from Altötting was installed. This connection to a well-known sanctuary drew visitors seeking spiritual comfort and relief.
The property now functions as an international scout center and campsite, hosting youth groups since the 1970s with facilities for outdoor activities and gatherings. The lakeside location allows for water activities, while the chapel and surrounding woods provide good opportunities for exploration.
The site features a protected natural monument: a 300-year-old linden tree with a canopy spanning up to 23 meters in diameter. This massive tree is one of the oldest and largest specimens of its kind in the region and draws visitors keen to see its impressive size.
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