Attraction Chapel Obernkapelle

The Obernkapelle was built around 1700. The present-day Obernkapelle, a Marian chapel, is likely a second construction, meaning it was built on the site of a much older chapel, the foundations of which were found next to the new building.

Description

The Obern Chapel was built around 1700. The current Obern Chapel, a Marian chapel, is likely a secondary construction, meaning it was built at the location of a much older chapel, the foundations of which were found next to the new building. Equipped with eight prayer benches, the well-maintained chapel accommodates around 20 people.

The altar, protected by a very high iron grille, is dominated by a triptych altarpiece: It shows on the left the search for lodging by Joseph and Mary, in the center the adoration of the shepherds, and on the right the adoration of the Magi. The lower part of the altar depicts the Annunciation and the Flight into Egypt. On the left side of the altar, there is an inscription: “St. George presents himself as a knight through your martyr's death for us in heaven.”

Two statues of the Virgin Mary, one made of wax and one a clothed Madonna in a shrine, are also part of the furnishings. A figure of the Madonna on the altar is described as a replica of the weeping Madonna of Syracuse. The chapel has no ceiling paintings, but there are 14 Stations of the Cross on small wooden panels. On the outside of the chapel, there is a statue of Saint John with a book.

In the past, the bells of the Obern Chapel were rung in the morning, at noon, and in the evening for the Ave. Today, this only occurs in the evening. The nine homeowners of the hamlet of Obern take turns with this duty on a nine-year cycle. A special so-called chapel letter, which is over 140 years old, establishes the order in which the homeowners must each take turns ringing the Ave for one year. In the past, many more devotions were held in the chapels: Until about 25 years ago, an evening rosary was prayed in the Obern Chapel every Sunday from Easter to All Saints' Day.