Mariabuchen

The origins of Mariabuchen are found in a medieval legend, according to which a shepherd placed a figure of Mary in a beech tree branch. This figure gradually grew into the tree and became the starting point of the pilgrimage. A stone from 1406 with the inscription “Inventio Sanctae Mariae” (Discovery of Saint Mary) in the north wall of the current church is considered the oldest evidence of the Marian statue. An initial chapel was built in 1434, which by the late 18th century became too small and dilapidated. Construction of a new pilgrimage church began in 1692 and was consecrated in 1701, with completion around 1725. In 1726, Christoph Franz von Hutten, Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, invited Capuchin friars to Mariabuchen to care for pilgrims, leading to the establishment of a monastery. This was secularized in 1803 but reoccupied by Capuchins in 1849. Due to structural deficiencies, the monastery was demolished and rebuilt in 1971–72. In 2002, the Capuchin convent was dissolved, and Polish Minorites have since taken over the care of pilgrims.

Mariabuchen is situated in the eastern part of the town of Lohr am Main, in the district of Main-Spessart in Bavaria, Germany. It is a district of Lohr am Main and is located on a former forest path that once connected Lohr am Main and Karlstadt.

The Mariabuchen pilgrimage church is a listed building in Bavaria. Its Baroque interior includes a pulpit, a high altar depicting the Entombment of Christ, and two side altars. The Gothic miraculous image, a Pietà, is located at the left side altar. Votive tablets from the 17th to 19th centuries bear witness to answered prayers and healings. The church interior was renovated in 1994 and equipped with a new organ. Pilgrim care is currently provided by Polish Minorites. A restaurant, inaugurated in 2012, serves visitors.

• Steinbach Castle (Castle, approx. 2465 m away)
• Rienecker Schlösschen (Castle, approx. 3570 m away)
• Lohr Castle (Castle, approx. 3628 m away)
• Schönrain Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 5275 m away)