Preysingsäule Stele

Did fate intervene at Preysingsäule? This unassuming obelisk stands as a silent testament to a dramatic event. It whispers a tale of a near-fatal accident, a miraculous recovery, and unwavering faith. Preysingsäule is tucked away in the Forst Kasten, southwest of Munich. This serene woodland holds a story that unfolded in 1735. During a lively parforce hunt, Maximilian Emanuel von Preysing, the Elector of Bavaria’s Grand Chancellor, took a perilous fall from his horse. He lay unconscious, his life hanging in the balance. The Preysingsäule marks the exact spot of this dramatic incident. News of the accident reached Elector Karl Albrecht. He fervently prayed for Preysing’s recovery, directing his pleas to the Virgin Mary of Altötting. Miraculously, Preysing regained consciousness and began his recovery. Karl Albrecht, overwhelmed with gratitude, commissioned the Preysingsäule. He dedicated it to the Virgin Mary as a symbol of thanks for her intervention. The Preysingsäule is more than just a stone monument. It’s a tangible link to a dramatic moment in Bavarian history. Inscriptions on the obelisk recount the events of that fateful day. They speak of Preysing’s accident, his miraculous recovery, and the Elector’s profound gratitude. One inscription, facing east, details the circumstances of the fall and Preysing’s titles. Another, on the north side, declares “Religio Causa Voti,” meaning “Religion is the Cause of the Vow.” Preysingsäule stands as a poignant reminder of the role faith played in 18th-century Bavaria. The obelisk’s south side bears an image of the Altötting Madonna, a further testament to the Elector’s devotion. Preysingsäule’s inscriptions and imagery capture the spirit of the era. They reveal a world where faith and divine intervention were intertwined with everyday life. The Preysingsäule has endured the test of time, undergoing restoration in 2008. It continues to share its story with those who venture into the Forst Kasten. As you stand before Preysingsäule, imagine the scene. Hear the thundering hooves of the horses during the hunt. Feel the tension and fear as Preysing falls. Witness the relief and gratitude upon his recovery. The Preysingsäule is a timeless monument. It is a symbol of faith, gratitude, and the enduring power of hope.