Photo: © Gemeinde Markt Hartmannsdorf | Sarah Raiser

Kapelle Ulrichsbrunn

Markt Hartmannsdorf, Styria

The Ulrichsbrunn Chapel was built over one of the strongest springs in the area. Although most of the spring's discharge now serves as the water supply for many houses, the water cooperative ensured that a small part of the water supply is always available in the chapel's vault. According to old custom, pilgrims still wipe their eyes with the water there today to be protected from eye diseases.The first known report about the Ulrichsbrunn Chapel was written in 1838 by Pastor Johann Erkinger. Even then, the rogation procession took place at the chapel on St. Mark's Day and on the second day of rogation.Around 1935, head teacher Georg Miklautz wrote another report. The chapel is located in the village of Münichreith. The name Münichreith tells us that this forest area was cleared by monks or friars, and a cell and a chapel were built on it. It was consecrated to St. Ulrich. The old Ulrichsbrunn Chapel was made of wood and stood until 1860, when Pastor Johann Erkinger built a brick chapel in its place. Over time, the chapel was restored several times.In the early period of the Russian occupation in 1945, the chapel had a special significance, as believers secretly celebrated services there.Currently, the chapel contains the statue of St. Ulrich, two large angels, two small angels, four candlesticks, a cross, a stone offering box, and a brick altar. Since the sculptures were made in the Baroque style, they may have already existed in the early wooden chapel before 1860.