St. Vitus Pilgrimage Church on Ansberg

The Catholic branch and pilgrimage church of St. Vitus stands enthroned on the Ansberg. This listed Baroque building was constructed from 1717 to 1719 according to plans by Johann Dientzenhofer under the construction supervision of master mason Andreas Reinthaler. The commission was given by the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg, Lothar Franz von Schönborn.
The hall church, with its slightly recessed chancel and three-sided end, is a striking structure made of yellow sandstone blocks. At the junction between the nave and chancel, rises an eight-sided turret with a spire and finial.
Particularly noteworthy is the linden wreath of 21 trees surrounding the church. This closed wreath is considered the oldest of its kind in Europe and dates back to the time of the church's construction.
The history of the pilgrimage dates back to the 15th century, when a St. Vitus Chapel was built on the site of a ruined hilltop castle.

Very striking position and great view of the Main valley