Gutleut Chapel Mosbach: PASTORAL CARE / ST. URSULA
The Gutleut Chapel in Mosbach is one of the oldest churches on the Women's Pilgrimage Route and still retains a wonderful, original, spiritual atmosphere.
In the Middle Ages, a closed complex of Gutleut buildings was built on this site, consisting of a Gutleut House and a hospital for lepers, as well as a Gutleut Chapel outside the town.
The Gutleut Chapel was built between 1430 and 1440. Judging by the coats of arms on the two keystones in the choir vault, the chapel was donated by Countess Palatine Johanna of Bavaria-Landshut, wife of Count Palatine Otto I of Mosbach.
What makes the chapel so valuable are:
- its part of a Gutleuthaus complex, all essential parts of which have been preserved
- its murals on the walls of the nave and on the ceiling of the choir
- as well as the red chalk scribbles of passing pilgrims, some of which are preserved in the choir.
Upon entering the chapel, the main focus is on the so-called tapestry on the northern side wall. Twelve images depict the Passion in three broad zones, four depict the Glorification of Jesus, and one depicts the Baptism scene.
On the south wall are depictions of St. Michael with the Scales of Souls, St. Andrew, and below, St. Ursula of Cologne with her Virgins on the ship.
The chapel is located on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela – in front of the church is a casket bearing the shell stamp. Furthermore,
in the western jamb of the small north window, on a scroll ornament, is the figure of St. James in a white robe and green cloak. He wears a shell on his chest and holds his attribute in his left hand.