Friday, April 13, 2012

Waldsassen Basilica

The Basilica in Waldsassen was built in the years from 1682 to 1704. It is one of the most splendid baroque churches in Bavaria. The crypt under the Basilica is one of the largest in Germany. The crypt houses the skeletons of Christian martyrs who were exhumed from the catacombs of Rome between 1688 and 1765. What makes these skeletal remains unique is that they are dressed in elaborate 1700s garb and draped in jewels. The skeletons are also known as the 'Holy Bodies', celebrated each year by the church.

Waldsassen Abbey. Photo credit: Aconcagua
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Holy Martyr Theodosius, Waldsassen - LINK
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The remains of St Maximus - LINK
Finely robed skeleton of the Holy Martyr Alexander - LINK
The remains of St Maximus, Basilica of Waldsassen - LINK
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