Mariä Himmelfahrt, Benedictine abbey church in Ettal, Germany
Mariä Himmelfahrt is a Benedictine abbey church in Ettal featuring a distinctive double-shelled dome designed by architect Enrico Zuccalli. The interior showcases both Gothic and Baroque elements, with a three-part high altar decorated in the Louis-Seize style and elaborate stucco work throughout the ellipsoidal choir.
Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian founded this church in 1330 as part of a monastery complex. Construction was completed in 1370, establishing an important spiritual connection across southern European territories.
The name refers to the Assumption of Mary into heaven, a central theme throughout this sacred space. Visitors find religious artworks and decorations that express this belief in visible and tangible ways.
The church remains open for regular religious services and visitors can explore the monastery grounds with its various buildings and facilities. The complex includes working brewery and distillery operations that add to the visit experience.
The founding of this church is linked to an unusual story about Emperor Ludwig's horse that kneeled three times at this very location. The statue of the Virgin Mary now stands exactly where this miraculous event took place.
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