The church was constructed specifically to house a Pietà statue that was credited with miraculous healings.
The name 'Brünnlein' refers to the small spring ('little well') located on the property, which is central to the site's history.
Architect Franz Joseph Roth, who designed the structure, was a significant figure in the South German Baroque tradition.
The interior frescoes depict various scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the history of the local pilgrimage.
In 2026, the church continues to serve as one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations within the Diocese of Eichstätt.
Pilgrimage Maria Brünnlein is a prominent Baroque pilgrimage church located on the northern outskirts of Wemding in Bavaria. The site centers on a miraculous spring, which has served as a place of veneration since the early 18th century. The current church structure was completed in 1753 following the design of architect Franz Joseph Roth. It features a distinct exterior marked by two prominent towers and an interior dominated by elaborate Rococo stuccowork and ceiling frescoes. The focal point of the altar is a 17th-century Pietà, a wooden sculpture of Mary holding the deceased Christ. Pilgrims frequently visit the site to collect water from the healing spring housed within the complex. The church grounds also include a large pilgrimage square used for open-air masses during major religious festivals. It remains an active spiritual site managed by the Diocese of Eichstätt.
The view of the dual-towered facade from the main entrance path on Oettinger Straße.
Bring a clean container if you wish to collect water from the healing spring.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid the crowds associated with Sunday services and organized pilgrimage groups.
Take time to explore the surrounding quiet trails that lead away from the church into the adjacent forests.
Do not attempt to visit during major feast days if you prefer a quiet, solitary experience, as the site becomes very crowded.
Maintain silence inside the sanctuary and refrain from photography during ongoing religious services.