The best running trails in Neuachwald

St. Martin is one of the oldest churches in the Wittelsbach region. The previous building was probably a chapel dedicated to St. Vitus. He is still the patron saint of the church today, along with St. Martin. The Gothic tower was decorated with volutes in the late Renaissance or early Baroque period. According to a date in the vault, the choir was built in 1488. The nave of the church was built in 1875/76 using the original, late Gothic masonry.

The pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard is located in the Inchenhofen district of the Inchenhofen municipality in the Aichach-Friedberg district of Bavaria. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region and was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Europe in the 14th century. History: The origins of the pilgrimage date back to the 12th century. The church is dedicated to St. Leonhard, who is venerated as the patron saint of animals, especially cattle. In the 14th century, the pilgrimage church was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. Architecture: The church is characterized by its Gothic architecture. The baroque high altar from 1740 is particularly noteworthy. The church has an impressive ceiling fresco that amazes visitors. Current use: Today, the pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard serves as a place of devotion and prayer. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors who want to experience the historical atmosphere and spiritual significance of the place. The church is open to visitors during the summer months.

The pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard in Inchenhofen, Bavaria, is an important religious and cultural building with a history spanning over 700 years. Originally built in the 13th century, the church was replaced by a new late Gothic building in the 15th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries it underwent baroque and rococo renovations, which shape its current magnificent appearance. The church was once the center of one of the most important pilgrimages in Europe, especially to St. Leonhard, the patron saint of prisoners and livestock. Today it is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors who appreciate the artistic furnishings and spiritual atmosphere. A special highlight is the Leonhardiritt, which takes place every year in November and is considered the oldest of its kind in Bavaria and attracts numerous visitors. The pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard is therefore an important testimony to Bavarian history and culture that appeals to both believers and art lovers.

In 1283, Cistercians from Fürstenfeld took over the pilgrimage, which had been insignificant until then, and which flourished within a few decades. This was preceded by the donation of the parish of Hollenbach, to which Inchenhofen belonged at the time, to the Fürstenfeld monastery by Duke Ludwig the Strict in 1266. Eight clergymen were each in the "branch monastery" of Inchenhofen and looked after the pilgrimage. The former and current churches, as well as the priory to the north of the church, were built under the supervision of the abbots. After secularization in 1803, the work of the Cistercians in Inchenhofen ended. The Cistercian Order emerged from the Benedictine Order in the 11th/12th century. Its name is derived from the French town of Citeaux (Cistercium). Saint Bernard of Clairvaux entered the reform monastery in 1113. He made a decisive contribution to the rise of the new religious order: with the founding of numerous new monasteries, the strict order quickly spread throughout Europe. The Cistercian monks in the Inchenhofen priory not only acted as pastors for the local believers, but above all for the ever-increasing number of pilgrims. In addition to the solemn design of the liturgy, the well-being of the many people was particularly important to them. The miracle books they wrote show how many people experienced salvation and healing here through the intercession of Saint Leonard.

Beautiful view of St. Leonhard.

There is a pretty church at the entrance to Unterbernbach. It is worth taking a look inside, especially for the late Gothic choir.

Beautiful church in the middle of the village

Nice marketplace here. At the end with storks on the gate..📸👍