If you are in the Allgäu region/southern Germany, then a visit to the world-famous Ettal Monastery near Oberammergau (also known worldwide for its Passion Festival, which takes place every 10 years) is practically a must. This is probably the most beautiful rococo sacristy in southern Germany. And southern Germany has many sacristies! 😉 The central building of the imposing monastery basilica from 1370 with a 12-sided floor plan is particularly impressive thanks to the outstanding stucco decoration by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and Johann Georg Üblherr as well as the ceiling fresco, which depicts the Benedictine heaven and its main saints under the Trinity.

The monastery was founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig as fulfilment of a vow (due to his safe return). At the same time, the transport route to the south was expanded.

The most important object of devotion in Ettal has always been a picture of the Virgin Mary brought from Pisa, the so-called Ettal Madonna. The Madonna soon became the destination of pilgrimages, especially since the baroque rebuilding of the monastery. The monastery church is dedicated to St Mary: St Mary's Assumption.

There is also a humanist grammar school with a modern languages programme (originally only open to boys, but recently opened to girls too), as well as a distillery, a cheese dairy, a farm, various agricultural businesses, inns and a hotel. Kisses 😘