Overview

• The Schwarze Madonna, a 700-year-old Gothic statue in Altötting, remains a major European pilgrimage site, drawing tens of thousands yearly.
• For Easter 2025, the original statue was safely displayed in its white vestment following strict conservation protocols to ensure its protection.
• A 100-year-old replica, embedded with a wood chip from the original, serves as a safeguard for ceremonies or risky exposures.
• Conservation experts have warned of the statue's fragility, citing structural weaknesses and the need for careful handling during garment changes.
• The replica was notably used during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate veneration while maintaining social distancing measures.