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Altotting, Germany
Welcome to the Bavarian National Sanctuary of Altötting, a town renowned for its significant religious sites, with one of the most visited shrines in Germany located within its boundaries.
Altötting, having stood as Bavaria’s spiritual hub for over 1250 years, has long been recognized as Germany’s primary pilgrimage destination. Renowned for its rich history and profound religious significance, the town continues to attract Catholic devotees who pay homage to the Virgin Mary, particularly in honor of Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Notably, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, conducted numerous masses and pilgrim activities within these sacred grounds.
Among the city’s most revered landmarks, the Chapel of Grace stands out as an architectural marvel. Dating back to at least the 8th century, the chapel’s original baptismal basin likely dates from around 700 AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Germany. Pilgrims still engage in a solemn procession around the church, carrying wooden crosses adorned with vibrant colors. Alongside the sanctuary, numerous votive tablets serve as memorials to divine blessings received through prayer, while niches house the silver heart urns left behind by the Wittelsbach dynasty’s former rulers.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the profound influence Altötting has had on Christian heritage throughout Bavaria and beyond. As we explore this historical gem, visitors will gain insight into the enduring legacy of faith and devotion that shapes the region’s cultural landscape.
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Duration 1.5 hours
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German is a West Germanic language spoken by approximately 100 million people worldwide. It is one of the official languages of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Belgium (Flanders), and several other countries. German belongs to the Indo-European family of languages and has influenced numerous other European languages through its widespread use as a literary and colloquial medium. The standard form of the language is known as High German or Hochdeutsch, which includes various dialects such as Bavarian, Alemannic, Swiss German, and others. These regional variations differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar but share common roots with each other and with High German. German is characterized by its complex grammatical structure, including cases for nouns, adjectives, and pronouns, verb conjugations, and declensions. This intricate system allows for precise expression of relationships between words within sentences. In terms of literature, German is renowned for its rich tradition of poetry, drama, and prose. Many influential authors have contributed significantly to the development of German literature over centuries. Some notable figures include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Thomas Mann. While the term "German" can refer to ethnic Germans or citizens of Germany, historically, the term also encompassed speakers of Germanic languages across Europe. Today, however, this usage is less common, and many non-German speakers who speak German are considered part of the broader German-speaking community. The influence of German on neighboring languages is evident in numerous loanwords and linguistic features. For instance, English uses many Germanic words like "bank," "hobby," and "bicycle." Similarly, French incorporates elements from Old High German, contributing to its rich heritage. In conclusion, German is a vibrant and dynamic language deeply rooted in history and culture, playing a significant role both linguistically and culturally in Europe and beyond.
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Please maintain flexibility with your travel arrangements by booking your desired accommodation and paying nothing at this time.
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Altotting, Germany 
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0.43 mi
0.43 mi
0.43 mi
0.43 mi
0.43 mi
0.43 mi
3.11 mi
4.23 mi
3.85 mi
4.91 mi
Visitors come to Altötting primarily to pay their respects at the shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The Chapel of Grace has been standing since at least the 8th century.
The original baptismal basin is estimated to date back to around 700 AD.
Pilgrims carry wooden crosses adorned with vibrant colors during the procession around the Church of Grace.
Votive tablets serve as memorials to divine blessings received through prayer.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) conducted many masses and pilgrim activities within these sacred grounds.
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