Old Oak of Hersberg with Marian Shrine

At the entrance to the village of Hersberg there is an old oak tree with a hollow trunk embedded in a niche that houses a statue of Our Lady. This tree is said to be the oldest tree in our country. It has been classified as a natural monument. This ancient, venerable oak, which has a circumference of almost seven meters, and in which a 0.80 meter high, 0.65 meter wide, 0.70 meter deep niche closed by an iron grille is attached, has been located for a long time a wooden picture of the Virgin, called Maria im Walde or, for short, a picture. Every year on the evening of August 15 (usually around 8.15 p.m.), many devotees of Our Lady gather in Altrier for a light procession. On May 30, 1731, two of three brothers are said to have been killed by lightning near the oak. The survivor is said to have erected the statue in gratitude for his rescue.Source: baumkunde.de/baumregister/1339-alte_eiche_von_hersberg

The scope of the oak is quite impressive. Unfortunately, the tree has hardly any leaves in relation to its size....

A.M. on the capitol = Ave Maria