Grim Reaper in Altötting: Is the clock of life really ticking?

Grim Reaper in Altötting: Is the clock of life really ticking?

In the collegiate church of St. Philipp and Jakob in Altötting, a well-known pilgrimage site in Upper Bavaria, a remarkable attraction impresses visitors. A 50 cm high skeleton figure, depicting Death as the Grim Reaper, swings a scythe at an impressive height of seven meters to the beat of a cabinet clock. How Mercury Reportedly, this spectacle occurs every ten seconds, with a legend saying that with every swing of the scythe, someone dies somewhere in the world. However, this statement is statistically far-fetched, as an average of around 1,000 people actually die worldwide during this period.

The statue's mechanics belong to an impressive clock that dates back to the 17th century and was integrated into the church during the plague epidemics. The first mention of this “Death Clock” can be found in a repair invoice from 1664 and it has since become a real eye-catcher. So it's no surprise that the figure attracts great interest not only because of its historical value, but also because of its unique depiction of death.

The role of the church caretaker

Andrea Schweer, the first woman in the church administration of the most visited pilgrimage site in Germany, plays a central role in the perception of this attraction. Not only is she responsible for asset management, but she also highlights anatomical inaccuracies in the skeleton that might surprise some visitors. Her legal training and her commitment to the church show how important it is to preserve traditions while critically questioning them.

A look into history

The collegiate church is rich in history and houses a cloister with chapels and crypts. Among other things, the Tilly crypt is located here, where the famous general Count Johann T'Serclaes von Tilly is buried. His coffin can be viewed and his skull, sawed open for mummification, is visible through a window. This historical depth creates a special atmosphere in the building, which attracts many pilgrims and tourists.

The Chapel of Grace in Altötting, which is considered one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Europe, is also worth a visit. Its walls, blackened by the candle smoke of centuries, tell stories of faith and life. In addition, in recent years Altötting has opened a newly designed treasury and a pilgrimage museum, which underline the importance of tradition and religious heritage in the region.

Fascination Altötting

The sights in the Altötting district are diverse and range from the imposing Burghausen Castle to the Wöhrsee resort and the Innleite nature reserve. With a population of 12,991 in Altötting and Burghausen as the largest city with 19,536 residents, the region is vibrant and offers both historical value and recreational opportunities.

Last but not least, it should be mentioned that Pope Benedict XVI. was born in Marktl, where he only lived for two years. This connection to the history of the faith gives the region an additional appeal for visitors from all over the world.

In summary, Altötting not only offers an impressive depiction of life and death, but also a deep insight into the history and cultural highlights of the region. Whether you admire the mechanical statue or stroll through the venerable halls of the collegiate church, Altötting is sure to remain in your memory.