Crucifixion Group on Osterbichl (Oberammergau)

The impressive crucifixion group was donated by King Ludwig II. He was so touched by the Passion Play that he gave the Oberammergauer this gift.

On September 25, 1871, a special performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play took place in honor of King Ludwig II. The king was so touched and shocked at the same time that he donated the monumental crucifixion group to the Oberammergau Passionplayers as a lasting memory.
The king himself determined the material, the artist and the location for the monument. The sculptor Professor Halbig from Munich worked on the memorial for over two years before the difficult transport to Oberammergau began on August 2, 1875.

The crucifixion group arrived in Oberammergau on August 15, 1875 and was inaugurated on October 15, 1875 on the Osterbichl.

The royal house was represented by Baron von La Roche. For three years, King Ludwig came to the crucifixion group for silent prayer on October 15, before the increasing number of curious people drove him away.

The crucifixion group consists of Kelheim marble and was the largest stone monument in the world at the time. The weight of the individual figures: cross and Christ on a base 600 quintals. The figures of Maria and Johannes weigh 40 quintals each, the base 480 quintals.

From the Osterbichl location, where the crucifixion group is located, you have a wonderful view of Oberammergau.