Stiftsbasilika Waldsassen

Stiftsbasilika Waldsassen is a baroque church that extends 82 meters in length and contains multiple chapels and galleries throughout its interior. It features the largest underground crypt in Germany, which lies beneath the main building and can be explored by visitors.

Construction of this church took place between 1685 and 1704 under the direction of Georg Dientzenhofer and Abraham Leuthner, who shaped its architectural design. The building was conceived as part of a Cistercian monastery complex and became a significant religious center for the surrounding region.

The basilica houses ten ornate reliquary skeletons that came from Roman catacombs and were decorated by Cistercian brother Adalbart Eder in the 18th century. These remarkable pieces reflect the artistic skill and religious devotion of that era.

Visitors can explore the basilica in different ways, with access to chapels, galleries, and the extensive crypt beneath the building. It is recommended to allow enough time for a thorough visit to see all parts of the structure.

The main organ was built in 1738 by Johann Konrad Brandenstein and contains 7,720 pipes arranged in 141 ranks, used for both religious services and concerts. This instrument is known for its warm and rich sound that fills the entire church space with remarkable clarity.