Finsterau Open-Air Museum
The wooden chapel from Schwolgau
Not consecrated, but blessed
The rural community of the hamlet Schwolgau met at the chapel for May devotions. On the way to the parish village Büchlberg the churchgoers made the sign of the cross. If someone from the village died, a rosary was said here.
A wood frame construction, whose steep gable roof is covered with plain tile roof shingles, rises above the rectangular floor plan. The ornamental sawn front slats and the undulating slatted framework of the skylights are the façade’s only decoration. The interior is dominated by a coloured, carved crucifix. Stars on a blue background adorn the ceiling, while the wooden walls feature stencil painting.
Two inscriptions applied with pencil were discovered during removal of the deteriorating chapel:
“Built in 1822 / renovated in 1875 / renovated in 1934 / Georg Sicklinger / carpenter” and “village beauty / Berta Wolf / farmer’s daughter / Schwolgau / virgin”.
The museum was able to acquire news about the farmer’s daughter Berta Wolf, but carpenter Georg Sicklinger is unknown today.
Schwolgau near Büchlberg, Passau administrative district – built in 1822, renovations in 1875 and 1934 – translocation in 1996/97 – crucifix: former wayside cross from Waldkirchen
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