Holy Sepulchres at Easter in Reutte - Blog Reutte Nature Park Region

Today, I would like to introduce you to a tradition that has been cherished in my home region for many centuries – the “Holy Sepulchre” or Easter Sepulchre – a custom that I consider something truly special. During the Easter season, it is simply part of the tradition to go and visit the Holy Sepulchres.

When and why did “Holy Sepulchres” originate?

After the First Crusade in 1096, Jerusalem came under Christian control. Pilgrims were then able to travel there safely and visit the places where, according to tradition, Jesus had lived, taught, and ultimately died. A visit to the monumental Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the tomb of Jesus, was considered the highlight and spiritual culmination of such a pilgrimage.

This inspired the desire to recreate a piece of Jerusalem at home. During the Easter season, churches began setting up Holy Sepulchres so that anyone visiting could vividly reflect on the final days of the Son of God. The events of the Passion became tangible, and the joyful message of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday filled viewers with hope and happiness. Over time, magnificent Holy Sepulchres were created, often filling the entire sanctuary area around the altar.

Under Emperor Joseph II, these Holy Sepulchres were banned in 1782 as “sensational displays” believed to distract from true devotion. Many of these cultural treasures were also lost during the short period of Bavarian rule in Tyrol (1805–1814).

In the 19th century, the Easter sepulchres experienced a revival, only to largely disappear again in the 20th century following the Second Vatican Council. Since the 1980s, however, these beautiful depictions of the Easter story have regained great popularity. Many of the valuable pieces that had been stored away in attics or cellars were carefully restored and are now regularly displayed again – much to the joy of the faithful.

Between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, the Holy Sepulchre is redesigned each day according to the liturgy. On Maundy Thursday, an olive grove scene or floral decorations are displayed. On Good Friday, the body of Christ rests in the tomb. During the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the Risen Christ appears – either by replacing the figure or, most impressively, by raising it on a hidden platform mounted at the back, dramatically illustrating the miracle of the Resurrection.

Scenes from the Passion, guard figures, and colorful glass spheres further enhance these impressive installations.

During Holy Week, Holy Sepulchres are set up in many churches throughout Reutte. Here is an overview of those in the Reutte Nature Park Region, along with a closer look at the largest one, located in the Parish Church of St. Anna in Reutte.

Breitenwang:

The Holy Sepulchre was created in 1738, designed almost like a Baroque stage set for the Church of the Resurrection located next to the deanery parish church. It was painted by the Baroque artist Balthasar Riepp, with the assistance of his Reutte-born student Franz Anton Zeiller. The installation consists of three arched scenic backdrops, creating an impressive sense of depth and a theatrical effect.

Pinswang:

The Easter Sepulchre in the Parish Church of St. Ulrich was first installed in 1839 and was designed in the style of Nazarene art, matching the church’s former interior furnishings. The structure imitates a three-aisled cathedral. Above the tomb setting stands the empty cross draped with a white cloth, while a broad staircase leads up toward the burial niche.

Weißenbach:

The Holy Sepulchre in the Parish Church of St. Sebastian was created at the end of the 19th century by the Außerfern painter Johann Kaerle in a Neo-Romanesque style. It consists of two scenic arch backdrops with wing-like side panels. Guard figures flank the scene, while angels at the gable hold the instruments of Christ’s Passion. At the very top stands the empty cross, surrounded by radiant beams.

Wängle:

In the Parish Church of St. Martin, the backdrop created by the painter Franz Seelos is placed into the round-arched frame in place of the high altar painting. Different scenes of the Easter liturgy are inserted into this scenic arch: first Christ on the Mount of Olives, followed later by the tomb niche with the body. During the Easter Vigil, the figure of the Risen Christ is raised, powerfully illustrating the Resurrection.

Vils:

In the City Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary (Mariae Himmelfahrt), a Holy Sepulchre created by nativity scene painter Franz Seelos in 1959 is displayed in front of the high altar. Elements of the high altar are incorporated into the overall composition. Changing background scenes bring the Easter story to life, while flowers and colorful glass spheres frame the setting and enhance its festive atmosphere.

The Holy Sepulchre in Reutte

A Holy Sepulchre existed in Reutte more than 300 years ago. However, a devastating fire in 1846 destroyed almost the entire church interior, making a new Easter installation necessary. The present Holy Sepulchre was created in 1847 by the local artist Josef Anton Köpfle the Younger from Höfen and was first displayed at Easter in 1848.

This Holy Sepulchre is designed like a multi-layered stage set. It is made of wood and linen, painted with various scenes from the Passion of Christ – from Maundy Thursday through Good Friday and Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday.

At least 25 volunteers spend around 320 hours carefully assembling the installation each year.

In the past, the Holy Sepulchre was illuminated by oil lamps. Today, modern fiber-optic lighting technology is used. This allows numerous points of light to be illuminated or dimmed and even enables different lighting scenes to be programmed, bringing the Easter story to life in an impressive way.

The structure of the sepulchre fills the space to its full height of an impressive 13 meters. It represents the Baroque-inspired theatrum sacrum – meaning “sacred theatre” – as it depicts a biblical event. The overall design follows the Classical style.

Four scenic arch layers create the illusion of spatial depth. The front element is a triumphal arch that opens the view toward the background. The painted curtain suggests an “unveiling,” much like the opening of a stage performance. The cartouche at the apex bears the inscription: “The Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive honor, glory, and praise,”
referring to the death of the Redeemer on the cross.

Massive pairs of columns frame the hall-like space receding into the distance, complete with balconies – known as balustrades – and a dome. Figures placed along the sides and on the balustrades further enhance the sense of depth.

Two angels floating in the spandrels symbolize the connection between heaven and earth. Above them, four putti hold the instruments of the Passion: the nails, the inscription tablet of the cross, the veil, and the crown of thorns.

The central scene of the Holy Sepulchre depicts the palace of the governor Pilate, positioned above the tomb opening framed by colorful Easter glass spheres. From a balcony, Christ – after the scourging – is presented to the people.

Above this scene floats a cloud rosette surrounded by flames and colored glass spheres. At its center is the Blessed Sacrament – the monstrance with the consecrated host. Above it appears the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The painted garden in the background refers to the traditional location of Jesus’ burial.

At the right side altar, the Mount of Olives scene is depicted, showing Christ with the three sleeping disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. An angel offers the chalice to the Son of God, who is said to be sweating blood in His anguish. In the background, the silhouette of the city of Jerusalem can be seen.

Every year, large crowds came to admire this magnificent Holy Sepulchre. The monastery chronicle records that in 1921 the market square was filled with visitors, some of whom had traveled all the way from the Allgäu.

In 1936, the Holy Sepulchre was set up in its full size for the last time. It was then stored in the monastery attic for almost 50 years. After extensive restoration, it was reinstalled in 2003.

Now you can surely understand why this special tradition is so close to my heart – and to the hearts of many others.

We wish you a Happy Easter and relaxing holidays filled with special moments with your loved ones!