Considering Freiburg’s rich history, have you ever pondered the stories held within its chapels? Here in Ebnet, stands the Sankt Anna Kapelle. It is a testament to remorse, reconciliation, and modern artistry.
The original Anna Kapelle was built in 1570. It is attributed to Anna von Snewlin. Legend says she built it to atone for a relative’s murder. That chapel was torn down in 1811. The Anna-Kreuz was erected in its place. Stories still surround this cross.
Fast forward to July 25, 2010. A new Sankt Anna Kapelle was consecrated. This was thanks to the initiative of Ebneter pastor Franz Enz. A support association also helped. The St. Anna-Kapelle-Verein e.V. now maintains the chapel. They fund its upkeep through contributions and donations.
The old chapel’s appearance is lost to time. The new Sankt Anna Kapelle boasts a modern, open design. Architect Siegfried Stier envisioned three wooden sails pointing skyward. The chapel lacks a door. Inside, it comfortably holds about twenty people.
Thomas Rees created the interior’s centerpiece. This wood sculpture uniquely combines Christ’s resurrection. He rises from the cross, wearing a sun-halo. The sculpture includes the traditional Anna-selbdritt group. They emerge from the heart of the risen Christ. This group crushes the serpent’s head symbolizing the fall from grace.
Rees used a 100-year-old linden tree. It had been uprooted by a storm and lying over a wild stream. From this, he carved the risen Christ. Anna, Mary, and the Jesus child emerge from his heart. The risen Christ touches his mother and the hand of the Jesus child. Rees wanted to connect time and eternity through this work. The “new Eva” crushes the serpent’s head in another detail.
Another part of the story remembers the murder of Abbot Konrad. Johann Snewlin von Landeck murdered him in 1356. Anna von Snewlin-Landeck, a descendant, wanted to atone for this. She erected the first Sankt Anna Kapelle in 1570.
The five-meter-long beam extends through the chapel wall. Rees wanted to express that the secular world is redeemed through the cross. He believes this connection came to him during his work. Its deeper meaning often revealed itself later.
Taking time to observe the Holz Anna depiction, you may discover inner stirring details. The sculpture may provoke contradictions. Rees welcomes this effect. He believes art should be individual. It should not be limited.
The sculpture features a large Christ figure. It forms a backdrop for Anna, Mary, and Jesus. The artist symbolizes the Holy Spirit as radiant warmth. The walls open to the opening heart. The cross connects the outside and inside.
Pfarrer Enz found the old Anna-Kreuz during land consolidation. The base was engraved. It remembered an old chapel. He was inspired. A support group was founded to build a new Sankt Anna Kapelle.
The Sankt Anna Kapelle stands on a significant site. An abbot was murdered here in 1356. Anna von Schnewlin-Landeck built a chapel here around 1568. She sought atonement.
After many plundering, the Annakapelle was teared down in 1811. In 1825, local farmers erected a stone memorial cross. It is surrounded by linden trees. Legends and ghost stories surround the place.
The chapel welcomes visitors. It points to the old stone cross under the linden trees. Thomas Rees created the AnnaSelbDritt from a thick linden trunk. A large Christ figure protects it. The chapel roof is supported by three wooden beams. They strive heavenward.
As you leave this place of reflection, remember the layers of history and artistry. They are woven into the very fabric of the Sankt Anna Kapelle. It is a space where past and present meet. It is where sorrow transforms into hope.