Attraction Calvary Mountain Scharnitz

Calvary Mountain Scharnitz - 12 station image blocks, cross chapel with burial chapel

Description

The Calvary Hill in Scharnitz is a special place of reflection, history, and lived tradition.

On the way up, twelve brick niche shrines with characteristic gabled roofs accompany the visitors. They date from the late 19th century, with five of these stations being renewed in 1905. Originally, the niches housed simple, naively rendered representations. In 2014, the paintings were restored by the Rietzer painter Martin Juen. The earlier depictions by the artist Axel Österreicher are now preserved as valuable testimonies in the village chronicle of Scharnitz.

At the destination of the path stands the Calvary Chapel, which was built around 1950. Its plain appearance with a wooden gabled roof blends harmoniously into the surroundings. Inside, a monumental crucifix from the late 19th century impresses, shaping the space and inviting quiet contemplation. From up there, there is a beautiful view over the entire village.

Another significant building is the mausoleum built in 1898. It is built into the earth, windowless, and features a round-arched door opening as well as a gabled roof. Inside, there is a wooden Christ of the grave from the late 19th century resting in a grave niche, underscoring the spiritual atmosphere of this place.
To this day, Calvary Hill is firmly anchored in the traditions of the community. Especially on Good Friday, this tradition comes alive. During the so-called "Ratschenwanderung," the first communion children of Scharnitz walk up the path. Since on this day the bells in the Catholic churches are silent, the ratchets replace their ringing and remind of prayer at noon.