See the beauty of Bavaria and Oberammergau’s glory
Exclusive for MoS readers: A once-in-a- decade chance to watch the legendary Passion Play with a top TV historian
IN 1633, as an outbreak of Black Death wreaked its grim toll, the villagers of Oberammergau in southern Bavaria made an extraordinary promise. If God spared them, they vowed, they would re-enact the last days of Jesus’s life every ten years in gratitude.
From the moment they made their pledge, nobody in the village died – and almost four centuries on, the residents remain true to their word, with the next staging of the Passion Play due to take place in 2020.
You can see this rare and moving spectacle on our exclusive tour with specialists Historical Trips, which will take in the play and the astonishing surrounding area, including the castles and palaces built by ‘mad’ King Ludwig II in the 19th Century.
One of Britain’s most knowledgeable and entertaining cultural broadcasters, Andrew GrahamDixon, will join you during the tour, giving his insights into the artistic riches of Bavaria. If you miss this trip, you will have to wait until 2030 for your next chance.
REASONS TO BOOK The once-a-decade Passion Play
The Oberammergau play is worldfamous. In the 19th Century, the future King Edward VII tried to pay an incognito visit, and presidents, archbishops and all manner of notable cultural figures have been coming to watch since (for the 2010 performances, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among the spectators).
And no wonder: it’s an incredible undertaking, involving half the town’s residents, as they tell the story of Christ from his entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Meet Andrew Graham-Dixon
The popular art historian and broadcaster will join us on this exclusive trip, appearing at Neuschwanstein Castle. Andrew will take part in a Q& A and talk about the castle, which he described as one of the most spectacular German monuments in his brilliant BBC documentary series The Art Of Germany. Through it, you will find out more of the story of King Ludwig II, who effectively bankrupted Bavaria to construct his ludicrously ambitious Romantic buildings.
Bavarian castles
Beyond Neuschwanstein, you will also see Herrenchiemsee Palace, which was inspired by Ludwig’s visit to the Palace of Versailles. This is no less elaborate: 35 seamstresses apparently spent seven years sewing the cover for the royal bed alone.
The palace’s gilded Hall of Mirrors, best seen by candlelight, is arguably even more impressive than the original at Versailles. You will also visit Castle Berg, where Ludwig spent his final days.
Expert guide
In the build- up to the Passion Play, we will gather at a hotel in Oberammergau to hear from a local history expert, who will give more detail on the fascinating story behind the production and how it is continuing to capture imaginations centuries after its first performance.
Excellent hotels
You will stay in fine accommodation throughout your tour, particularly the Schlosshotel Linderhof near Linderhof Castle, which has a majestic Alpine setting. Tickets and good accommodation in the Oberammergau area are very limited around this time, so early booking is highly recommended.