PILGRIMAGE CHURCH OF WIES
The Pilgrimage Church of Wies is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built between 1745 and 1754. Similar to the Library Hall of Wiblingen Abbey, the church is done in the Rococo style. This means tons of white and pastels, ornate molding, and the feeling of exuberance when you take it all in. It also means that you will see that signature trompe-l’œil, or rather, illusionary work. For example, if you direct your attention upwards, you will see what appears to be the ceiling giving way to an open lustrous sky, but in fact, it is just one of many beautifully painted frescoes at the church.
The Pilgrimage Church of Wies (or Wieskirche in German) is about an hour and a half from Munich by car, two and a half to three hours from Stuttgart, almost five hours from Frankfurt, and seven hours from Berlin. So why put a church here? In 1738, it is said that in the little hamlet of Wies, a miracle took place in which tears were seen on a wooden figure of Christ. Thus, a wooden chapel was made in the fields to house this incredible statue. However, so many pilgrims from places like Austria and Italy traveled to see this statue that the Abbot of the Premonstratensians of Steingaden decided a larger sanctuary was needed. Thus, the Pilgrimage Church of Wies as we see it today was born.
The church is often called the Church in the Meadow, and one can see why as not only the church is preserved by many laws and regulations, but the surrounding area is also protected. When we pulled up, there were cows grazing in the field just before the church, and it was an incredibly bucolic scene. I encourage you to take the time to admire the outdoors around the church just as much as you would marvel at the interior of this famous Rococo site! Also please check their website for visiting hours, as they maintain a comprehensive chart that details when there are concerts, tours, and worship services that cannot be interrupted.
There is a restaurant just outside of the church, public restrooms (that you have to pay for to enter), and a couple of souvenir stands. If you happen to be in the south of Germany, perhaps take a detour to the Pilgrimage Church of Wies!
