The Wies Church

In a remote area in Bavaria south of Schongau and Peiting, near the tiny village of Steingaden, there is a wooden figure called the “Scourged Saviour in the Wies”.

Upon that figure someone saw tears falling from the eyes on the statue.

This miraculous occasion drew in a pilgrimage from throughout Germany, and eventually throughout the world.

It is worth mentioning that at the time the tears were seen on the sculpture it was basically just sitting in someone’s barn.

The statue, which had been made out of pieces from other sculptures had become and eyesore to the people who attended the then wooden church.

After it was decided that the sculpture wasn’t fit for display it was sent up to the church attic, and then to a barn where it sat until the tears were seen flowing from It’s eyes.

Because of the many pilgrimages that were made to the site, it was soon recognized that a larger structure had to be made to accommodate all of the people that were travelling to the site.

From that thought grew the Wies Church as it is today, in it’s beautiful and graceful rococo style.

The church was created by Dominikus and Johann Baptist Zimmermann of Wessobrunn (brothers).

The church is such the epitome of rococo architecture that it has been named a cultural site on the World Heritage List.

Inside the Wies Church…

Above the sculpture, magnificent frescoes depict the resurrection of Christ. Because of rococo styling of the church, the texture of the altar, ceilings, and pillars all display the ornate and gilded beauty of this type of architecture.

The pews are solid wood and carved meticulously as are the other sculptures and statues to be seen adorning the church.

The Abbot and monastery of Steingaden were responsible for sponsoring the construction of the church and were certainly generous with their offerings.

The colors demonstrated in the church represent the theological beliefs of sacrificial blood (red) and forgiveness and grace (blue).

The windows throughout the church cast a warming light on the beautiful paintings and ornamentation seen throughout the castle.

Visiting the Church

Opening times for a free visitation of the church in the summer are 8 – 7 and in the winter 8 – 5. Visitors are welcomed free into the church if there is no service or guided tour being held at the time.

They also welcome telephone calls to the church office to make sure that the time you want to visit is free. You can call +49 8862 93 2 93-0 to speak to someone about your visit.

Their office is open from 8 – 12 and 1 – 5 Monday through Thursday, and 8 – 12 on Fridays. Donations are expected and appreciated if you visit.

Guided tours are also available for a fee and can be arranged through the Tourist Information Center of Schongau. The number is 08861 – 214 333 and the email address is touristinfo@schongau.de.

You can pretty much set up a tour time for whatever works for your group as long as it is during the open times of the church and there is not a worship service or other group tour or celebration going on.

Keep in mind that tours are presented in German, and that if you need a translator, you have to arrange that on your own.

Photo taken by Alfred Borchard


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