Today I visited the stables of the Einsiedeln Abbey and met this beauty. I actually concentrated on the old architecture, but he observed every step I made, so he may be in my project today.
The stable of the Abbey is considered the home of the oldest horse breed in Europe. The Einsiedeln horses were once held in great esteem all over Europe. In Italy they were known as “Cavalli della Madonna”. By renovating and modernizing the stables, there is hope to secure the future of this old horse breed from Einsiedeln. Additionally this place is engreaved in my heart, as it is one of the last memories I have from my granddad, when we visited the stables many, many years ago.
The abbey itself is a Benedictine monastery in the center of Switzerland not far from my home. Pilgrims have been visiting the monastery of Einsiedeln for over 1000! years and it is also famous for the black statue of Mary and her son Jesus in the chapel of Our Lady. The statue was carved in the 15th century and is venerated by the pilgrims inside the Holy Chapel, it is said, that it turned black through dust and soot from the burning of incense, oil and candles. (It is not allowed to talk pictures in the church, which is fully understandable). The monastery lies in the midst of a breath-taking landscape with a deep blue lake and jagged mountain tops, unfortunately today all covered in fog.
