Think Switzerland and it is not uncommon for one to conjure images of Alpine mountains with snow covered peaks, lush green meadows, pristine valleys and of course fairy tale villages. But did you know that this land-locked country is also home to a number of sacred pilgrimage sites? Well, there are number of them and according to reports the number of people visiting them has only increased over the years. Einsiedeln which is a municipality and district in the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland is one such highly revered site. Located about 40 km from Zurich, it forms for a perfect day trip from the city.
Known for its renowned Baroque monastery, the Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey which also houses the Chapel of Grace, this one is often touted as one of the most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe. It is also known to be the most important place of pilgrimage dedicated to Virgin Mary in the country. The Chapel of Grace is dedicated to Virgin Mary or Black Madonna as it is called here. It is key to note that revered The Jakobsweg (St. James Path) also runs through the Einsiedeln area.
A view of Einsiedeln Abbey
" data-orig-size="1466,722" sizes="(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" aperture="aperture" />Another view of Einsiedeln AbbeyHistory has it that in the year 835, Saint Meinrad, a monk of the island monastery of Reichenau in Lake Constance, built his hermitage on the site of the present day Chapel of Grace. This place then developed into an exemplary Benedictine monastery around the 10th century. Since then, the place has stood the test of time and welcomes thousands of devotees year on year. The present day building dates to the 18th century and currently the monastery is home to around forty monks.
The exterior of Einsiedeln Abbey
" data-orig-size="1585,830" sizes="(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" aperture="aperture" />The exterior of Einsiedeln AbbeyThe pristine interiors of the chapel never fail to envelope me with a sense of serenity and it remains one of my most cherished experiences of my Swiss sojourns. The monastery itself is a hive of activity with a library, souvenir selling shops and the stables where you can marvel at majestic studs. This stud farm situated behind the monastery complex dates to 934 AD and is said to be the oldest and the best-preserved one in Europe.
Apart from the monastery, Einsiedeln is a beautiful town and is popular with tourists in the summer and winter alike. The town has its own ski jump, ski lifts and winter sports center. The Christmas market in the town is equally popular too.
Wishing all my readers a wonderful 2024! Hope the year is filled with happiness, good health and peace.
