Question: Ever wondered about a chapel nestled amidst fields with a story that stretches back centuries? This is the Fridolinskapelle. It stands between Ehrenstetten and Kirchhofen. The Fridolinskapelle sits calmly in the middle of a field. It is likely one of the oldest churches here. Once, it held great significance.
The Fridolinskapelle’s documented history begins in 1458. Michael von Ambringen ordered its construction in its current form. It then became the burial site for the Ambringen family. You can still see four worn grave slabs on the floor inside. The small church is dedicated to Saints Fridolin and Walburga. Both saints are depicted on the new baroque altar.
However, some believe the Fridolinskapelle is much older than the 15th century. One historian dates the original chapel to the 6th century. This was the peak of the Fridolin cult. The exact date of its construction remains unknown. Gothic elements suggest great age. These features are window details, interior paintings, and the ceiling. The Fridolinskapelle has a two-bay hall with a rectangular choir and a roof turret. A rope operates the bell in the tower. The divided windows feature fish bladder tracery. The interior is painted in a neo-Gothic style.
Tradition holds that services occur on the patron saints’ feast days. One honors Fridolin of Säckingen on March 6th. The other celebrates Walburga in early May. Fridolin was a significant apostle of the Alemanni. Others were Columban, Pirmin, Gallus, and Trudpert. Legend says that in the 6th century, Fridolin came to the High Rhine. He arrived in Bad Säckingen via France. There, he summoned a dead man from his grave to court. This was to settle an inheritance dispute. That’s why the altar shows him with a skeleton. Walpurga was an abbess. She was the sister of Willibald and Wunibald. They were two important 8th-century missionaries.
Another Fridolinskapelle, the Breitehofkapelle, stands near a farm. It is considered the oldest farm chapel around. This Fridolinskapelle was lovingly renovated. A flower garden enhances its charm. Twice, trucks severely damaged it after the war. The Breitehof residents saved its valuable contents before World War II. A large votive panel depicts St. Fridolin with a skeleton. The inscription states the chapel was built in 1600. It honors God, the Virgin Mary, and St. Fridolin. He is the patron saint of this chapel. He is often shown as a monk with a skeleton. His feast day is March 6th. He also watches over the Swiss canton of Glams and Säckingen. Fridolin founded churches honoring St. Hilarius. This links the Fridolinskapelle to the nearby Ebneter Hilarius Church. It’s the only Fridolin chapel in the Dreisamtal.
The Fridolinskapelle may be closed during the day. You can ask for the key at the Kirchhofen parish office. So, as you stand before the Fridolinskapelle, remember its long history. Think of the saints, the legends, and the people who have sought solace here for centuries.