Driving through snow-covered forest and farmland, where the only living being you see is a surprisingly wary-free fox out in the middle of what is probably a large paddock, it’s difficult to imagine that a UNESCO site lurks close by. The day is receding into the extraordinary blues that only the Bavarian alps can deliver; clearly it’s cold out there.
Yet in what seems the middle of nowhere, on a rise, appears the Pilgrimage Church of Weis. There is no village, and barely any signage. I was utterly unprepared for this place.
The church steps lead to heavy doors which shut automatically, not driven by modern electric gadget, but simply by the weight and pulley.
But push through the inner doors, and forget everything. There is no superlative to describe this place. No fanfare please; let the architecture and craftsmanship speak for themselves (though, sadly, my camera was not up to the task of such vibrancy).
Did you spot the balcony high up, where special folk could observe the services?
It is no surprise that architect Dominikus Zimmerman left his home in Landsberg to live near his masterpiece for the rest of his life.
Outside, tucked around the corner and thus only seen by those who take the time to explore a little more of this wonder, a little surprise on the wall:
Built between 1745 and 1754, this Rococo church was erected (though crafted would be a better word) where the miracle of tears had been witnessed on a simple wooden figure of Christ some years before. That it has been preserved intact is yet another miracle.
It is possible that the remoteness of the site is what has enabled it to remain in exactedness, given the minimal environmental pollution, and that there’s been no structural overcrowding to cause it’s decline. Whatever the reason, the contrast between the church’s colourfully intricate interior, and the site it’s exterior holds in an alpine valley is simply overwhelmingly stunning.
The Pilgramage Church of Wies; UNESCO protected and oh so worthy!
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