Altötting has been Bavaria's spiritual heart for over 1,200 years, centered on a miraculous Black Madonna in the Gnadenkapelle (Chapel of Grace). Called the "Lourdes of Germany," this Marian shrine draws over a million pilgrims annually, including Pope Benedict XVI, who donated his bishop's ring to the shrine and called it "one of the hearts of Europe."
## 📜 History & Significance
The pilgrimage tradition traces to 1489, when a child who drowned in the Mörnbach stream was brought to the Gnadenkapelle by his mother. After prayers before the Madonna, the child miraculously revived. This healing miracle established Altötting as a destination for those seeking Mary's intercession.
The Black Madonna statue, carved around 1330 from limewood in early Gothic style, darkened over centuries from candle soot. The octagonal chapel housing her dates to the 8th century—the oldest surviving building in Altötting. Silver urns containing the hearts of Bavarian Wittelsbach rulers line the walls, testimony to royal devotion.
## 🥾 Route Overview
Multiple pilgrimage routes converge on Altötting. The Via Maria runs 400 km from Mariazell in Austria through Alpine landscapes. The Marienwanderweg covers 130 km from St. Marienkirchen through nine Marian churches. The Benediktweg (248 km cycling route) connects sites significant to Pope Benedict XVI. The Way of St. James also passes through Altötting on its way to Santiago.
From Munich, pilgrims can reach Altötting by a day's journey (90 km east), making it accessible for both long-distance pilgrims and day visitors.
## ☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
**Gnadenkapelle (Chapel of Grace)** - The 8th-century octagonal chapel housing the Black Madonna, surrounded by silver heart urns of Bavarian rulers.
**Basilika St. Anna** - The massive neo-Baroque basilica (1912) accommodating 8,000 worshippers for major pilgrimage celebrations.
**Neue Schatzkammer** - Treasury housing the "Goldenes Rössl" (Golden Horse), a 1404 golden altar considered one of Europe's most precious medieval artworks.
**Jerusalem Panorama** - A UNESCO-listed 360-degree circular painting (1903) depicting Christ's crucifixion on 1,200 m² of canvas.
## 🔗 Useful Links
- [Altötting Official](https://www.altoetting.de/en/) - Pilgrimage and tourism information - [Shrines of Europe](https://shrines-of-europe.com/city/altotting) - European shrine network