Kreuzberg-Church Schwandorf, Catholic pilgrimage cathedral in Schwandorf, Germany
Kreuzberg Church is a place of worship built on a hill in Schwandorf that combines modern architecture with preserved historical elements from its original construction. The building functions as both a parish church and pilgrimage site, working closely with the adjacent Carmelite convent.
The structure was built between 1678 and 1680 initially as a small chapel and was enlarged in 1697 and again in 1784 to accommodate more pilgrims. After severe damage during World War II, reconstruction took place from 1949 to 1952 with substantially different architectural character.
The church houses an important replica of the Mariahilf image by Lucas Cranach the Elder, which survived the bombing of 1945. This artwork continues to draw visitors who come to experience the artistic tradition and devotion to Mary within its walls.
The building sits at Kreuzberg 2 and is easy to reach, with the adjacent Carmelite convent also open to visitors. Be aware of visiting hours and note that during services full access may not always be available.
The Mariahilf artwork by Cranach not only holds religious significance but also represents a symbol of artistic continuity between past and present at this location. Its survival through destruction makes it a rare testament to cultural resilience during the war period.
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