Frescoed Houses Oberammergau, Germany
Depicting religious as well as secular scenes, Oberammergau's frescoed houses are exceptional examples of this unique art form that can be seen throughout the Bavarian Alps.
Overview
Depicting both religious and secular scenes, frescoed houses are a charming characteristic of the Bavarian Alps (Oberbayern). One of the best places to admire them is in Obergammergau, the village famed for its passion play.
The frescoes of this region are known as Lüftlmalerei, or "Lüftl frescoes." The name is believed to derive from the house of the most renowned facade painter in Oberammergau, Franz Seraph Zwinck (1748-1792), which is called Zum Lüftl.
The finest painting contributed by Zwinck is the "Pilatushaus" on Ludwig-Thoma-Strasse, which depicts Christ before Pilate. Today the Pilatushaus is home to the village's respected woodcarvers, painters, potters and sculptors. The house is open to the public and visitors can watch the artists at work.
Other Oberammergau houses depict scenes from the Crucifixion and other biblical scenes, as well as fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood.