Have you noticed the modest chapel before us? This is the Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle in Regensburg. Its story is intertwined with faith and community.
The Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle stands in Wutzlhofen. This part of Regensburg was once part of the parish of Sallern for 800 years. Today, it belongs to St. Konrad.
Erected before 1650, the Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle has witnessed centuries of change. In 1870, the citizens of Wutzlhofen took it upon themselves to renovate and expand their beloved chapel. They did so without the permission of the pastor of Sallern. The chapel was subsequently reconsecrated. In 2003, the chapel underwent another renovation.
Measuring only 8 by 5.50 meters, the Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle is small. It features a semicircular apse. Its architecture reflects late classicism. The chapel has a hipped gable roof, a roof turret, and pilaster decorations from the early 19th century.
Attached to the east wall, you will find a war memorial chapel. It commemorates the soldiers of Wutzlhofen who fell in both World Wars. Inside the Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle, the high altar holds a wooden sculpture. It depicts Mary enthroned on the world.
Wutzlhofen itself is much older than the nearby Konradsiedlung. It was first documented in 1224 as “Wuzenhoven.” At that time, it was owned by the Regensburg Cathedral Chapter. Wutzlhofen had two large estates. They were called the Upper and Lower Farms. Several tenant properties also existed. The farms were obligated to supply goods to the Domkapitel. The former owners of the farms can be identified by old coats of arms. The current buildings date to the early 19th century. They replaced earlier structures.
In 1859, Wutzlhofen gained access to the Regensburg–Weiden railway line. This provided connections to Nuremberg, Eger, and Hof. In 1912, the local railway line from Regensburg to Falkenstein branched off in Wutzlhofen to the east. This connection was discontinued in 1984. The route was converted into a hiking and biking trail known as the Falkenstein Bike Path. Sallern was incorporated into the city of Regensburg on April 1, 1924. This included Gallingkofen, Haslbach, Oedenthal, Sallermühle, Vogelherd and Wutzlhofen.
Interestingly, the chapel accommodates up to 20 worshipers. The planning for the chapel’s reconstruction began in 1867. The Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle is a gabled building in the late classicist style. The altar area contains a Madonna Immaculata. This is likely the work of Simon Sorg. There are also smaller sacred statues and objects. War memorials are attached to the Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle. A field cross stands nearby. The chapel is the center of church celebrations in the village. The villagers maintain it.
As we conclude our visit to the Wutzlhofener Marienkapelle, remember the enduring spirit of this place. It stands as a testament to the faith and dedication of the Wutzlhofen community.