Oberammergau
Oberammergau is a small village situated within the Ammer river valley in Bavaria. It is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of München (Munich). These photos were taken in June 2007:
Oberammergau is famous for its passion play and woodcarving. The town even has its own woodcarving school. You may even get a chance to see the famous woodcarvers at work in the Pilatushaus (Pilate House).
Many of the houses in Oberammergau are styled with Lüftlmalerei (fresco paintings) around the windows and other parts of the building. This style was very popular in the 1600-1700s.
In 1633, Oberammergau citizens promised God that they would perform the Passion Play (Passionsspiele) every 10 years if their people were spared from the plague and Thiry Years War. The first Oberammergau Passion Play was performed in 1634. The play continues to be performed every 10 years for 100 days with about half the town involved in its making. Only citizens of Oberammergau are allowed to participate. The Passion play lasts for five hours with the reenactment of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The next performance is coming up soon, from May 15th, 2010 to October 3rd, 2010.
The Kofel (cone-shaped) is an 1341 meter (4400 feet) high mountain in the Bavarian Alps. It is very popular among hikers and offers a great view of Oberammergau.
| Get a free hit counter here. |