This treasure was created between 1384-1389 before the gates of the town of Creglingen, in a romantic side-valley of the river Tauber, in the midst of an old cemetery. Around 1390, pilgrimages to the Herrgottskirche began and were approved in the papal bull dated 05 May 1394 by Pope Boniface IX.
It was not until 1832 that the Altar of Mary by Tilman Tiemenschneider (1460-1531) was discovered behind a wall. He began the work in 1505. The altar has been preserved in its original form only because it was hidden in this way. Mary's ascension from the circle of the disciples is prominent in the centre of the altar, with a shrine of pine wood and figures of limewood.
Tilman Riemenschneider was one the rare sculptors of the late Gothic era who worked both with wood and stone. His works are characterized by precision, exact observation and the rendering of even the smallest details, smoothly modelled roundings and evenly flowing folds of the clothing.
The Altar of Mary in the Herrgottskirche in Creglingen is rightly considered the masterpiece of Tilman Riemenschneider. If you visit the church around the 15 August, you will witness a special play of light and shadow in the early evening: The sunlight falls at a certain angle through the western rosette so that Mary is illuminated in silver-white light. Tilman Riemenschneider had consciously taken these light conditions into consideration when planning the location of the altar.
Suitable for all ages between 10−99
It will take around 2 hours to get there from Heidelberg (ca. 160 km)
The tour is suitable for wheelchair users (some light rises).
