Pilgrimage Church of St. Joseph in Zandt

Pilgrimage Church of St. JosephZandt with its pilgrimage church dedicated to St. Joseph is located on a moderate hill in the charming Hausner Valley.
The Zandt family appears as early as 1287. The origins of the current church go back to the von Rummel family: the castle chapel in honor of the Holy Family had fallen into disrepair during the Reformation. Therefore, in 1684, Johann Joachim Freiherr von Rummel built the current church using medieval components. It consists of a nave covered with a gable roof, into which the church tower, which is covered with a curved roof, is set in the west, and a straight closed choir in the east.
It is no longer possible to determine when the first pilgrims made their pilgrimage to Zandt. The church's furnishings are a small gem, the Rococo altar structure with columns and curved struts has side passages. In an original way, oratorios (for the Hofmark rulers) were connected to them, which are closed with Rococo grilles in sweeping carvings. The pulpit and the cross with the Mother of Sorrows opposite in the nave are from the same period. The ceiling painting, which extends over the entire flat ceiling, depicts St. Joseph in glory in lively painting and is attributed to the Regensburg-born painter Otto Gebhard.
Frescoed medallions on the gallery parapet show scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The closing grille below is good ironwork from the Rococo period. A small Scourged Savior and a St. John Nepomuk are framed by rocaille frames.
The organ is a treasure and one of the oldest instruments of its kind in the Upper Palatinate. The organ with six registers on a manual and pedal was initially built as a manual organ in 1778 by Johann Konrad Funtsch from Amberg. Friedrich Specht added the attached pedal in 1858. The instrument is one of six surviving works by the Amberg organ builder.
In the 18th century, a second patron saint, St. John Nepomuk, was added. Perhaps a bride from Bohemia who married in Zandt brought this second patronage with her.Source: Pilgrimages in the Diocese of Regensburg and wikipedia.de

Located on a mountain spur, this church offers a beautiful view to the west. The church itself is usually closed. When you get inside, you shouldn't miss the nice representation of the four continents known at the time on the ceiling.

The pilgrimage church of St. Josef in Zant is an important place of pilgrimage for the Catholic community. The church was built in the traditional style and is characterized by its imposing architecture. Inside are valuable works of art, including stained glass windows and impressive statues. The atmosphere in the church is calm and welcoming, which invites pilgrims and visitors to linger. The pilgrimage church of St. Josef is a popular place for devotions, prayers and spiritual exercises. It attracts thousands of people each year and is an important part of Zant's cultural landscape.