Wondering why this small chapel is called Drei Brüder Kapelle? The Drei Brüder Kapelle stands as a testament to peace and reconciliation. This chapel marks the resolution of a bitter inheritance dispute. It involved three brothers from the Rehlingen family.
Let’s step back to the 18th century. Baron Johann Josef von Rehlingen sought to secure his family’s estate. In 1767, he established the Rehlingschen Fideikommiss Ursprung. This ensured the property remained intact for his male heirs. After his death in 1773, a fierce inheritance battle erupted. His sons and daughters fought over the estate.
The dispute threatened to tear the family apart. Finally, in July 1773, the siblings reached an agreement. Three sons and three daughters settled their differences. This resolution was so important that the brothers decided to commemorate it. They commissioned the Drei Brüder Kapelle. It symbolized their newfound peace.
The Drei Brüder Kapelle, as you see it, is a baroque structure. It features a unique three-sided pillar design. A pyramid roof covered in shingles tops the pillar. The west side, facing away from the road, is clad in wood shingles. On the other sides, you’ll notice small niches. These niches house painted metal images. They depict saints, the Virgin Mary of Maria Plain, and scenes from the life of Christ.
Originally, the Drei Brüder Kapelle featured an image of the three brothers. Josef, Maximilian, and Johann Nepomuk were shown shaking hands. This image was placed in a rectangular niche on the southeast side. Today, that niche is empty.
The Drei Brüder Kapelle has faced some challenges over the years. In 1995, it was moved slightly. This was to protect it from damage caused by traffic on the L101 highway. The move also allowed for the construction of a bicycle path. In 2016, the chapel underwent extensive renovations.
Since 1993, the municipality of Elixhausen has owned the Drei Brüder Kapelle. The Drei Brüder Kapelle serves as a reminder. It reminds us that even the most bitter disputes can be resolved. It stands as a symbol of unity and brotherly love. The Drei Brüder Kapelle is more than just a roadside shrine. It is a monument to peace.