The Roman Catholic pilgrimage church Rosenthal, Sorbian Putniska cyrkej w Róžeńće, is a Baroque hall church in the district of Rosenthal in the municipality of Ralbitz-Rosenthal in the district of Bautzen in Saxony. It belongs to the parish of St. Katharina Ralbitz in the diocese of Dresden-Meissen and is visible from afar with its memorable silhouette. The church is the central place of pilgrimage for the Catholic Sorbs in the area.
The Rosenthal pilgrimage church bears the patronage of Saint Mary of the Linde. Rosenthal has been a place of pilgrimage since the 16th century at the latest. Since 1754 the church has been under the patronage of the Cistercian Abbey of Marienstern (Panschwitz-Kuckau). The current building was built in 1778. In April 1945 the church burned down as a result of hostilities, the surrounding walls and vault were preserved. After the rubble had been cleared in 1945, the roof was first covered with straw and later with tiles. During the reconstruction, the sacristies were moved from the eastern aisle bays to the outer walls. The interior was finished in neo-baroque style until 1952.[1] The facades are structured by flat pillars with arched windows over a wide cornice. A high hipped roof and a mighty square western tower with a strongly curved dome and lantern increase the long-distance effect of the church. The spacious three-aisled hall church of five bays is finished with barrel vaults with lunettes on strong cross pillars. The organ gallery is in the west bay.
Source: Wikipedia