Oberammergau
Building where the Passion Play is performed
Oberammergau, town in south central
Germany, in Bavaria, on the Ammer River. Situated in the Bavarian Alps,
Oberammergau is a popular tourist resort and noted wood-carving center. The
famous Passion Play, which originated in 1634, is performed here. It was first
presented by the inhabitants in gratitude for the end of a plague. Except for
the years 1870, 1920, and 1940, the play has been presented every tenth year
since 1680 in keeping a vow made by the 17th-century townspeople. The daylong
performances are attended by thousands; a theater was built in 1930. Population
(1997) 5,225.
next presentation in 2010
Passion Play, form of mystery
play, depicting the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The
earliest dramatic representations of the crucifixion, in Latin verse, were given
early in the 13th century. One hundred years later passion plays were being
performed by societies of amateur players in both German and French. At the
height of their popularity in the middle of the 15th century, they had developed
into elaborate productions requiring three days for performance. During the
Renaissance the tradition languished. Of the passion plays performed in modern
times, the best known is one dating from 1634, given every ten years by the
residents of Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps.
Text from Microsoft Encarta
take the 45 minute tour
the branch of the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop
More Photos of the main shop in Rothenburg
Wittelsbach Hotel
shop window
one of the many wood carved statues
church
Bavarian Forstsamt
entrance to the Forstamt
rear side of the Forstamt building
church next to the Forstamt
More Photos from this church graveyard
flying bull
tourist restaurant
train back to Munich