Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard

Have you ever heard of a church dedicated to two saints? Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard, perched atop a rock formation between the Untersberg mountain and the Königseeache river, boasts a fascinating history. The story of Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard begins in the 13th century, originally dedicated to St. George. However, as the devotion to St. Leonhard grew, particularly in the 18th century, the church adopted a dual dedication. This shift led to an influx of pilgrims and generous offerings, evident in the numerous votive displays within the church. The architectural beauty of Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard is striking. Atop the nave sits a prominent red tower, crowned with an elegant baroque onion dome. Inside, you’ll find exquisite marble altars crafted from local Untersberg and Adnet marble. The high-quality paintings adorning these altars are truly noteworthy. One cannot overlook the blue-gold pulpit, a magnificent example of the Berchtesgadener style dating back to 1695. With its intricate figures sculpted by Josef Stangassinger, it stands as a cultural treasure. Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard’s story goes beyond its architecture. Until 1816, the church, along with the surrounding village, belonged to Berchtesgaden. That year marked a significant shift as they became part of Salzburg, and by extension, Austria. Since then, Wallfahrtskirche St. Leonhard has been under the custodianship of the revered Arch Abby of St. Peter in Salzburg.