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The monastery of Einsiedeln was built as a Baroque edifice with four inner courtyards in the 18th century. Before that time Romanesque and Gothic buildings defined the monastery, which was founded by the Benedictine monk Meinrad in the year 835. The Mercy Chapel (Gnadenkapelle), made of black marble, is located in the monastery's church, under a dome with frescoes. The famous Black Madonna dating to the 15th century is found in the chapel 

The monastery of Einsiedeln

Apparently the walk on the Einsiedeln "Way of the Cross" has become an unforgettable experience for many pilgrims

The image of the Black Madonna above, was created by an unknown artist in the 15th century

The Einsiedeln Black Madonna image belongs to the series of the famous Black Madonnas of Europe

The Black Madonna became black over the years from dust and the soot of the candles, oil lamps and incense. In 1803 the hands and face were painted black

The Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey, located within the village, is considered one of the most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe

Roman Catholic pilgrimages drink from each of the water spouts on this fountain 

The monastery complex includes not only the living space for the monks but also a diocese school, ten workshops, a wine cellar for the monastery's own wine and stables for the monastery's own breed of horses