Twelve Apostles Stone, Stone monolith in Meisenthal, France
The Twelve Apostles Stone is a red sandstone monolith rising about 4.4 meters (14 feet) high within a forest setting, with carved apostle reliefs and religious sculptures adorning its four sides. The protected monument can be reached by following marked forest trails.
First mentioned in 1170 as Breidestain, the stone originally marked the boundary between the duchies of Lorraine and Hanau. The apostle carvings were added in 1787, transforming it from a border marker into a religious monument.
The stone displays carved religious figures including Christ on the cross alongside Mary and Mary Magdalene, marked with apostle names in Gothic lettering. These carvings reveal the spiritual importance this monument held for the surrounding communities.
The stone is situated within the Northern Vosges Natural Regional Park and remains accessible year-round, with warmer months offering the most pleasant visiting conditions. Sturdy footwear is advisable since forest paths can become slippery depending on the season.
Before World War II, the stone drew Roma communities each August 15th, gathering over two thousand people for an annual meeting. This seasonal gathering transformed the monument into an important social meeting place that extended far beyond its religious significance.
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