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Marienkapelle: A Serene Sanctuary in Zell am See

Discover the serene Marienkapelle in Zell am See, a historic chapel housing the revered Ährenkleidmadonna, offering a peaceful retreat into the region's spiritual heritage.

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The Marienkapelle, or St. Mary's Chapel, in Zell am See, is a charming and historically significant chapel dating back to 1774. Built on the site of an older church destroyed by fire, it offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the region's religious heritage. The chapel is renowned for its painting of the Ährenkleidmadonna, also known as the 'Weizenfrau im Pinzgau' (Wheat Woman of Pinzgau), a revered image in the local community. With its simple yet elegant architecture and tranquil atmosphere, the Marienkapelle provides a serene space for reflection and a connection to the area's rich cultural past. Visitors can admire the devotional art, light a candle, and appreciate the chapel's role as a place of solace and remembrance. Its location in Zell am See makes it easily accessible and a worthwhile stop for those exploring the town's historical and cultural landmarks.

A brief summary to Marienkapelle

  • Zell am See, 5700, AT

Local tips

  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the intricate details of the Ährenkleidmadonna painting and the chapel's interior.
  • Light a candle in the chapel as a gesture of remembrance or personal reflection.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Zell am See to explore other historical sites and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Zell.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Marienkapelle is located in the center of Zell am See and is easily accessible on foot from most points in the town center. From the Zell am See-Kaprun Bahnhof (train station), walk south along Brucker Bundesstraße, then turn left onto Seegasse. Continue straight, crossing the pedestrian zone. The Marienkapelle will be on your right, a short distance from the Stadtpfarrkirche St. Hippolyt. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus, disembark at the Zell am See Postplatz (Post Office Square), which is the main bus station in the town center. From there, walk east towards the lake and pedestrian zone. The Marienkapelle is a short walk from the Postplatz, located near the Stadtpfarrkirche St. Hippolyt. A single bus fare within Zell am See is approximately €2-3, but the 'Guest Mobility Ticket Salzburg' provides free access to public transport for overnight guests in the region.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from anywhere in Zell am See town center to the Marienkapelle will be a short ride, costing approximately €8-12. Instruct the driver to take you to the Stadtpfarrkirche St. Hippolyt, as the Marienkapelle is located nearby.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that the immediate area around the Marienkapelle is a pedestrian zone with limited parking. The closest parking options are the Rathaus underground car park and the parking facilities at the Ferry Porsche Congress Center. Parking at the Rathaus car park costs approximately €4.20 per hour (€2.80 per hour with the APCOA FLOW App), with a daily maximum of €42 (€28 with the app). From the car parks, it is a short walk to the Marienkapelle.

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Discover more about Marienkapelle

Nestled in the heart of Zell am See, the Marienkapelle stands as a testament to the town's enduring faith and rich history. Constructed in 1774, this charming chapel occupies a site of profound religious significance, replacing an earlier church, 'Unserer Lieben Frau im Walde' (Our Dear Lady in the Forest), which was tragically consumed by a devastating fire in 1770. The Marienkapelle, also known as St. Mary's Chapel, serves as a serene sanctuary, inviting visitors to step away from the bustling streets and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection. The chapel's origins are deeply intertwined with the religious fabric of Zell am See. The original church that stood on this site was believed to be the oldest in the area, possibly dating back to the early days of the Iro-Scottish monastery. The fire of 1770 not only destroyed the physical structure but also severed a tangible link to the town's earliest Christian roots. The construction of the Marienkapelle four years later was an act of renewal, a commitment to preserving the sacredness of the site and providing a place of worship for the community. The focal point of the Marienkapelle is undoubtedly the revered painting of the Ährenkleidmadonna, affectionately known as the 'Weizenfrau im Pinzgau' (Wheat Woman of Pinzgau). This iconic image holds a special place in the hearts of the local people, embodying themes of fertility, sustenance, and divine grace. The Ährenkleidmadonna depicts the Virgin Mary adorned with a robe of wheat ears, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography. In medieval times, wheat ears were often interpreted as a reference to the Eucharist, with the wheat grain representing the body of Christ. The image of Mary as the 'Ährengarbe' (sheaf of wheat) further emphasizes her role as the mother of the Eucharistic bread and, by extension, the mother of the Church. The painting itself is a work of art, showcasing the artistic styles and devotional practices of its time. The Marienbild is housed in a shrine behind glass, framed by an elaborately gilded wooden surround measuring 175/90 cm. Clouds beneath the figure suggest the heavens, and Mary stands upon a cloud, further emphasizing her divine status. Above the altar, an ornate golden crown, intricately decorated, bears the interwoven letters of Mary's name. The image of the Ährenkleidmadonna has its origins in a venerated image in the Milan Cathedral, a silver statue donated by German merchants before 1347. The image evolved into a painting by 1464, spreading through traveling merchants to the German-speaking world. Beyond the Ährenkleidmadonna, the Marienkapelle houses other significant devotional objects and artistic elements. To the left of the altar is a small image with the signature of Empress Elisabeth ('Sissi') of Austria, a testament to the chapel's historical importance and its connection to the imperial family. The chapel also features a processional Madonna, known as the 'Oktober-Frau,' dating from around 1700-1770, along with depictions of Saint Florian and Saint Sebastian, framed by gilded foliage from the 17th century. A depiction of purgatory can be found in the chapel to the right, where visitors can light candles for the deceased. The chapel's exterior and interior also feature memorial plaques and inscriptions dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries, including two plaques dedicated to local clergy. A large crucifix from the mid-19th century adorns the eastern side of the exterior. The Marienkapelle was constructed in 1774 as a cemetery or soul chapel and is now the Marien-Kapelle. The Marienkapelle offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Zell am See. Whether seeking a moment of quiet contemplation, admiring the artistry of the devotional images, or learning about the chapel's historical significance, visitors will find a sense of peace and connection in this sacred space. The chapel's location in the heart of Zell am See makes it easily accessible to all, inviting exploration of the town's other historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The Marienkapelle stands as a reminder of the enduring power of faith, the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the beauty that can be found in simple acts of devotion.

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