Siebenschläferkirche, Religious monument in Rotthof, Bavaria, Germany.
The Siebenschläferkirche is a church in Rotthof, Bavaria, known for its Baroque altar designed as a grotto where colored light enters the interior space. The building sits in a region with several other religious sites that can be reached on foot.
The church arose from a misinterpretation of two Roman gravestones with carved figures, which were mistakenly seen as depicting the legendary sleepers. This confusion ultimately led to the founding of the church at this location.
The church takes its name from the Seven Sleepers, legendary young men from Christian tradition who according to the story fled persecution and slept for a long time. Visitors can see how this tale is reflected in the building's decoration and religious purpose today.
The church sits along a walking trail that connects several religious sites in the area, all discoverable on foot. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore the neighboring sacred locations as well.
During renovation work in 2004, workers discovered multiple skeletons, additional Roman gravestones, and remains of a Celtic farmstead beneath the foundations. These findings show that the site had been inhabited since ancient times, long before the church was built.
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