Maria Rast am Stein Chapel

Maria Rast am Stein is an important Marian pilgrimage place that lies on the north side of Martínkovsky hill in the cadastral area of Munich near Loučovice. This historical monument is known for its chapels of the Virgin Mary of the Snow, a gallery and a chapel of the tomb of God, which are connected by the cross. The area is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and has deep links to the history of Vyšebrodský monastery. The pilgrimage place has become the center of Catholic pilgrimage that attracts visitors from all over the region.

The creation of this place is closely related to the legend of the discovery of the image of Our Lady of Snow in 1844. According to the story, this painting appeared where the Virgin Mary and Jesus were resting. This event encouraged seven pimps to build an improvised chapel over the stone and painting in 1887. The construction was gradually decorated and improved by pimps and other settlers. In 1887, the Abbot of Vyšebrod monastery Leopold Wackarž visited the chapel, which decided to build a pilgrimage church in a pseudo-Romanesque style. This granite church was consecrated in 1888 and served as a spiritual centre for visitors.

The architecture of the pilgrimage site is characterized by a pseudo-Romanesque style, common in the period of history. The original chapel from 1887 was replaced by a new building in 1890, in which the statue of Our Lady of Snow was placed in the life-size. This new chapel is located southwest of the original church, which today works as a gallery. The whole complex is complemented by a cross road with 14 stops and cast iron paintings in stone chapel, which gives the place a deeper spiritual dimension.

The Roman Catholic parish of Higher Brod takes care of the ownership and administration of the pilgrimage place. The history of the complex is linked to the Schebrod monastery, which played a key role in its development and maintenance. In 1898 a cross road was built from the parish church in Vyší Broda, which facilitated access to the monument. The inn of Alex Peckle, who used to have a monastery beer by the road, is now a mere ruin under the chapel of God's grave.

Key events in the history of the site include the discovery of the painting of Our Lady of Snow in 1844, the status of an improvised chapel of a pimp in 1887 and the consecration of granite construction in the pseudo-Romanesque style in 1888. In 1890 a new chapel was built, which still forms the centre of the pilgrimage grounds.

Today the Maria Rast am Stein is accessible from the railway station Upper Brod- monastery. From there lead two tourist routes - green, which leads through the square along the cross road from 1898, and yellow, which follows the flow of Smaller Vltavice. The pilgrimage chapel is used only for worship several times a year, which increases its mystical character.

Maria Rast am Stein is not only an important historical and cultural monument, but also a living centre of faith. The rich history, architecture and connection with the Marian religion make this place an essential stop for every person interested in spiritual and cultural tourism. The visit to the complex offers a unique opportunity to explore fascinating history and an attractive atmosphere that still penetrates every stone of this important monument.