Magdalenenklause, Chapel in Nymphenburg Palace, Germany
The Magdalenenklause is a small chapel located in the northern section of Nymphenburg Palace grounds, featuring a rectangular layout with rounded extensions and circular turrets at the eastern corners. The structure deliberately appears as a crumbling ruin from the outside, with visible cracks and deteriorating plaster.
Architect Joseph Effner designed this hermitage between 1725 and 1728 for Elector Max Emanuel, who died before its completion. The building emerged from Baroque fascination with artificial ruins and exotic retreat spaces.
The hermitage contains a grotto chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, where shells and colorful stones decorate the walls alongside a central sculpture by Giuseppe Volpini. The intimate space encourages quiet reflection and prayer.
Access is through the northern section of the palace park, where the chapel sits among trees and visitors must walk from the main building to reach it. Wear sturdy shoes as the surrounding paths can be uneven and the area remains relatively natural.
The chapel originally served as a personal place of worship for the Elector and contains manuscripts and religious objects offering glimpses into 18th-century private spirituality. Most visitors overlook these intimate details while focusing on the exterior architecture.
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