A Romanesque crucifix carved from two crossed limewood trunks is one of the striking works of art in St. Michael’s Basilica in Altenstadt. The church also features a large fresco of Saint Christopher and a baptismal font whose reliefs depict the rite of baptism. Together, these works showcase different forms of Romanesque art.
Romanesque art at St. Michael’s Basilica
The crucifix dates from the period when the church was built and is carved from two limewood trunks crossed at shoulder height. It is 3.25 metres long, with an arm span of 3.18 metres. It is popularly known as “The Great God of Altenstadt.” Its name, material and dimensions give the work a distinctive profile within the basilica.
The eight-metre-high fresco of Saint Christopher also dates from the period when the basilica was built. It was discovered in 1994 and subsequently uncovered. The fresco is one of the oldest Romanesque depictions of Saint Christopher of its kind in Bavaria. Alongside the crucifix’s three-dimensional form, it is a large-scale wall painting with a precisely dated discovery.
The baptismal font is another focal point. It is considered one of the most important Romanesque baptismal fonts in the German-speaking world; its reliefs depict the rite of baptism. While the crucifix and fresco offer different forms of representation, the baptismal font draws attention to a religious ritual. The three works thus highlight different themes within the basilica.
Historic roads at Via Claudia Square
At Via Claudia Square, replicas of the original imperial military road and the medieval trade and pilgrimage road can be found. The two types of road represent different historical contexts: the military road on the one hand, and trade and pilgrimage on the other. Those interested in the history of transport routes will find another subject in Altenstadt’s public spaces, alongside the basilica’s works of art.
More to explore in the wider Weilheim-Schongau destination
Weilheim-Schongau also provides a distinct regional setting: the Lech marks the destination’s western boundary, the Ammer flows through its central area, and the Loisach runs along its eastern border. Weilheim-Schongau is part of the Pfaffenwinkel travel region. The following examples are in this wider destination and complement Altenstadt’s local themes with other cultural and natural highlights.
Near Steingaden stands the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Dominikus Zimmermann built it between 1745 and 1754. Church services, summer concerts and quiet reflection are among the reasons to visit; dates may vary. If you are considering attending a service or concert, check the relevant dates in advance.
The area around Raisting offers a different perspective on the history of technology: the approximately five-kilometre Earth Satellite Station hiking trail starts at Raisting railway station and follows a circular route through the satellite station, past the large satellite dishes and the Radom industrial monument with its historic Antenna 1. The Raisting Radom is Germany’s first commercially operated satellite ground station. The circular route combines insights into satellite technology with the Radom industrial monument.
The Penzberg Mining Museum also showcases industrial history: it preserves the memory of the local pitch-coal mining industry, which operated from 1796 to 1966. The museum offers multilingual guided tours for international visitors, families and school groups. The regional highlights are therefore distinct: Altenstadt focuses on Romanesque art and historic roads, while the examples in Weilheim-Schongau include church and industrial history as well as technical facilities.
The time of year can also play a role in choosing regional activities. In HohenpeiĂźenberg, the approximately six-kilometre Schwarzlaichmoor nature trail runs through the adjacent moorland, with information boards along the way; it starts at the Hetten inn. In winter, an approximately seven-kilometre cross-country ski trail is also groomed there for skating and classic technique. Its availability depends on winter conditions. The nature trail and ski trail thus differ both in purpose and season.
Discover more destinations: Ingenried, Hohenfurch, Schwabsoien, Steingaden, Peiting, HohenpeiĂźenberg, Polling, Raisting.
See the wider travel overview: Weilheim-Schongau.
