Ave Maria

The origins of the complex date back to the early 18th century, when the pilgrimage church was built between 1716 and 1718. Almost two centuries later, in 1929, the Capuchin friars took over the pastoral care at Ave Maria. Three years later, in 1932, the monastery building was constructed in the same Baroque style as the church. The church's interior is characterized by opulent stucco ornamentation and artistic paintings. At its center is a magnificent high altar, surrounded by angels, which enshrines a late Gothic Madonna from the 15th century. The organ, dating from 1969, is housed in a historic casing from 1718.

The Ave Maria Monastery is situated in the Upper Filstal valley, part of the Göppingen district in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The complex is located in the municipality of Deggingen, slightly off Federal Highway 466, and is easily accessible from both Geislingen an der Steige and Wiesensteig. Its affiliation with the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart underscores its ecclesiastical importance.

Today, Ave Maria is an active pilgrimage center, attracting numerous visitors, especially on six Marian feast days throughout the church year. In addition to traditional pilgrimages, an annual motorcycle pilgrimage also takes place here. The church is also a popular venue for church weddings. A special attraction is the large Christmas nativity scene, spanning several square meters, which is set up annually. Crafted from natural materials, it features handmade figures and a small stream flowing into a pond. This nativity scene is accessible during the Christmas season and in January.

• Berneck Castle Remains (Castle, approx. 830 m away)
• Hiltenburg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 3321 m away)
• Bühringen Castle Remains (Castle, approx. 4065 m away)
• Leimburg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 4616 m away)