History
According to legend, the miraculous image of Maria Linden was found in the hollow of a linden tree after a long period of war. Historically, the pilgrimage probably goes back to a pagan place of worship that was converted to Christianity. The first documented mention of Maria Linden dates back to 1484. Pious residents from the area asked the Bishop of Strasbourg to build a new church. Bishop Albert of Strasbourg granted this at the site near the seven linden trees, "where the Mother of God and Virgin Mary has already revealed herself through many miracles." From 1639 onwards, Jesuits ensured that the pilgrimage flourished again after the turmoil of the Reformation. Under their direction, the nave was extended in the Baroque style in 1756 and the Baroque interior was purchased with the support of the Margrave of Baden. Vigorous resistance from the faithful prevented the pilgrimage church from being demolished in 1783 under Emperor Joseph II and a renewed cancellation of the pilgrimage and destruction of the church by Vicar General Wessenberg (early 19th century). During the Kulturkampf under Chancellor Bismarck, Maria Linden became the scene of impressive demonstrations of faith with up to 16,000 participants. On the occasion of the pilgrimage church's 450th anniversary, one year after the Nazis seized power, 20,000 believers confessed their faith in Christ and his church. From 1936, Capuchins worked in Maria Linden for over 60 years, bringing blessings. Since 1995, Augustinian Canons, Brothers of the Common Life, have looked after the pilgrimage site.