[2] Pilgrimage Church
Description
Rising above the rooftops of the old town is one of Franconia’s most important Marian shrines: the pilgrimage church “Maria im Sand.” The origin of the pilgrimage dates back to 1505, when a severely injured man was miraculously healed after praying at a wayside shrine. Dettelbach quickly developed into a popular destination for pilgrims.
The decisive boost for the pilgrimage came from Prince-Bishop Julius Echter, who had the present church built between 1608 and 1613—an impressive structure in the Late Renaissance style with Gothic elements. Its cruciform floor plan, delicate net vaulting, and the intricately designed west portal by Michael Kern make the church a masterpiece of Franconian ecclesiastical architecture.
Inside, visitors are greeted by a rich Baroque interior. The centerpiece is the altar of grace with the venerated Pietà, a Vesperbild from the school of Tilman Riemenschneider. Particularly noteworthy is the ornate pulpit, which depicts the biblical Tree of Jesse.
To this day, “Maria im Sand” remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Würzburg, attracting numerous faithful and visitors every year.
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