Germany - Oberstdorf, Loretto-Kapellen

The Loretto-Kapellen (Loretto chapels) are a complex of chapels and a fountain on the outskirts of Oberstdorf. It consists of three individual Roman Catholic chapels. The Loretto chapels refer to the Italian pilgrimage site of Loreto near Ancona and are the end point of the Way of the Cross, which starts at the parish church in the village.

The Appachkapelle is the smallest and oldest Loretto chapel. The octagonal building was built in 1493. It is the origin of the entire complex. Today, the church houses a simple marble altar adorned with a wooden sculpture. The little chapel also offers frescoes from the time of its construction (PiP2).
Just outside the chapel stands the Marienbrunnen, which has probably existed since the beginnings of the pilgrimages.

The most beautiful and largest chapel is the Kapelle Maria Loretto. It was built when the Appachkapelle became a popular pilgrimage chapel in the 17th century (between 1657 and 1677) and could no longer cope with the large number of pilgrims. It houses the miraculous image of Mary (PiP3).

The Josefskapelle was built in 1671 on a cross floor plan and consecrated in 1685. This chapel used to form the actual end of the Way of the Cross (PiP4).