St. Maria in Lichtenklingen, Pilgrimage chapel ruins in Wald-Michelbach, Germany
St. Maria in Lichtenklingen is a pilgrimage chapel in ruins, situated between two mountain ridges in the Odenwald region. The remains still show its rectangular layout with a distinct chancel area, though only the stone walls survive today.
The chapel was built around 1200 and served for centuries as a pilgrimage destination. In the 16th century it fell into disrepair and was used as a stone quarry, until restoration efforts began in the 20th century.
The site draws pilgrims who connect with the tradition of Mary's veneration that was practiced here for centuries. Visitors can still sense this devotion in the chapel remains, which speak to its original spiritual purpose.
The best approach is from the northern exit of Eiterbach, from where a walking path leads to the chapel between the two mountains. The site is easy to reach on foot and suits a quiet countryside walk.
A spring flows beneath the chapel and is captured in a trough system that still provides fresh water at the site today. This natural feature likely drew early pilgrims to visit this location.
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