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Pilgrimage Church of Wies: A Rococo Masterpiece

Discover the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, a breathtaking Rococo masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Bavaria.

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The Pilgrimage Church of Wies, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an 18th-century Rococo church in a serene Alpine valley in Bavaria, Germany. Built between 1745 and 1754 by Dominikus Zimmermann, it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike with its colorful and exuberant interior.

A brief summary to Pilgrimage Church of Wies

Local tips

  • Check the church's calendar for prayer sessions and worship services to avoid sightseeing during these times.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the church.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate details of the Rococo interior, including the ceiling frescoes and stucco work.
  • Consider visiting in the spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions such as Neuschwanstein Castle or Steingaden Abbey.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Füssen, take bus number 9606 or Regionalverkehr Allgäu from the Füssen, Pulverturm station to the Wieskirche. The bus ride takes approximately 46 minutes and departs four times a day. A single bus fare will typically cost between €4 - €6.

  • Car

    From Munich, take the A96 and B17 to Steingaden. Exit onto Ammergauer Straße in the direction of Wildsteig/Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After about 2.5 kilometers, turn right to Wies. Parking is available in a paid parking lot about 200 meters from the church. Parking costs €2 for cars and €3 for buses for 2 hours, with an additional €0.50 for each additional hour.

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Discover more about Pilgrimage Church of Wies

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, the Pilgrimage Church of Wies (Wieskirche) is a stunning example of Bavarian Rococo architecture. This oval church, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, draws over a million visitors annually to witness its breathtaking interior and experience its spiritual atmosphere. The church's origins lie in a miracle reported in 1738, when tears were said to have been seen on a wooden figure of the Scourged Savior. This event spurred a surge in pilgrimage, leading the Steingaden Abbey to commission Dominikus Zimmermann to build a grander shrine to house the statue. Zimmermann, along with his brother Johann Baptist, created a masterpiece of light and form, blending architecture, sculpture, painting, and stucco work into a unified whole. While the exterior of the Wieskirche is relatively simple, the interior is an explosion of color and intricate detail. Frescoes adorn the ceilings, creating a trompe-l'œil effect that seems to open up to the heavens. The high altar, framed by slender columns, houses the revered wooden figure of the Scourged Savior. The church's design creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere, inspiring awe and reverence in all who visit.

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