Passion Play

The town of Oberammergau is permanently linked with the Passion Play. The roots of the Passion Play date back to a vow made by the citizens of Oberammergau in 1633. The plague had also reached Oberammergau. After numerous inhabitants of Oberammergau had fallen victim to the epidemic, the citizens vowed to stage the Passion Play regularly. The Passion Play, which they have been performing at 10-year intervals since 1634, has made Oberammergau famous throughout the world. And, again and again, the world comes to visit this unique town, which today also stages top-events in the Passion Play Theater every summer.

The next Oberammergau Passion Play will take place in 2020.

The thirty years’ war that took place in the 17th century (1618-1648) in central Europe was one of history’s most devastating, as poverty and disease was widespread and thousands died as a result of plague.  In the small village of Oberammergau alone there were 80 deaths. During this time of suffering the citizens of Oberammergau made a sacred pledge that every 10 years they would perform a “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ”

This vow was achieved for the first time during Pentecost in 1634 and every 10 years since the villagers of Oberammergau have continued to fulfill their pledge, for more than 380 years. For the 42nd time in 2020 the people of Oberammergau will once again perform the Passion Play that follows Christ from his elated entry into Jerusalem and the events that followed, His Trial, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.

Over 2000 actors, singers, musicians and technicians participate in the play all of whom must have been born in Oberammergau or been residents for at least 20 years. To maintain authenticity the men grow their hair and beards. Also all the costumes are handmade.

The play takes place in an open theater that seats approximately 4,700 people, with a magnificent mountain background and performances take place 5 days a week from May until late September/early October. Even though the play is in German, people from around the world, many of them not religious, come to experience the fascinating way the town comes together to perform the Passion Play. In 2010 it is estimated that more than half a million visitors came to Oberammergau to see the play.

Preparations for 2020 have already begun with the exact schedule to be decided by 2017.  In 2019 by Ash Wednesday all participants according to tradition will start growing their hair and the men will grow beards and by autumn 2019 rehearsals for the Passion Play will begin.

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Oberammergau, Lake Garda & Sordevolo

8 days – 7 nights

Munich, Oberammergau, Lake Garda, Biella, Sordevolo, Milan

Faith, Discovery, Culture, History

 

Day 1: Munich, Oberammergau

After arrival formalities at Munich airport you’ll be met by our Tour Director and driven to your hotel in Oberammergau. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax. Dinner and accommodation in Oberammergau. [D]

 

Day 2: Oberammergau (Passion Play)

Morning transfer to Oberammergau and some leisure time before you head to the highlight of your vacation: The Passion Play in Oberammergau! Held every 10 years and performed by the community of Oberammergau. Passion-dinner included. Overnight in the area of Oberammergau. [B/D]

 

Day 3: Oberammergau, Lake Garda

After breakfast departure to Lake Larga. Drive through beautiful South Bavaria and cross the Alps to reach this picturesque lake, one of the largest in Italy. Some free time to enjoy the surroundings. Tonight, you will enjoy a dinner at local restaurant. [B/D]

 

Day 4: Lake Garda

After breakfast we will enjoy a cruise along the lake. Lake Garda is visited for several different reasons including the landscape, with the mountains providing an outstanding backdrop to the lake; picturesque towns and villages along the shores of the lake; and for many activities around the lake such as beaches, water sports and surfing as well as the possibility of hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. Dinner tonight is on your own. [B]

 

Day 5: Lake Garda, Biella (Walking Tour)

After breakfast will reach the city of Biella. Upon arrival in Biella check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon Take a walking tour of this Medieval village. Welcome Dinner at local restaurant. [B/D]

 

Day 6: Biella (Turin)

Breakfast at hotel. Today enjoy a full day excursion to Turin. The highlight of this visit is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud located in the Cathedral of St. John, where you will view the authentic Holy Shroud. We also will have the chance to visit the National Cine-ma Museum. And yet it’s not a museum. At least not in the traditional sense of the term. Those who have already visited it understand what we mean. And those of you who are planning on visiting it will be surprised to discover what a special and unique place it is. The Museum is one of the most important of its kind in the world thanks to it vast collection and the many different scientific and educational activities it carries out. But what makes it truly unique is its special exhibit setup. The museum is located inside the Mole Antonelliana, a bizarre and fascinating monument which is the symbol of the City of Turin. And the various areas inside the Mole Antonelliana were the starting point for the Swiss set designer François Confino who, with talent and imagination, multiplied the museum’s itineraries. He created a spectacular presentation that offers visitors continuous and unexpected visual and acoustic stimuli, just like when we watch a film that involves and moves us. The Museum is more than a museum and whoever enters it isn’t just a visitor but also an explorer, an author, an actor, a spectator… to whom the Museum offers the emotions of an experience we hope won’t be easily forgotten. Return to Biella for dinner and overnight. [B/D]

 

Day 7: Biella (Recetto di Candelo, Oropa, Sordevolo Passion Play)

13th and 14th century to protect food supplies as well as the farmer’s possessions in moments of extreme danger. Then we will head to Oropa for a guided tour of the Sanctuary. Enjoy some free time. Depart for Sordevolo. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before we attend the Passion Play performed by actors of the local village. Return to Biella. [B/D]

 

Day 8: Biella, Milan, USA

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and be ready for your transfer to Milan where you’ll board your flight back to the US or continue your trip to the next destination of your choice. [B]

 

[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/D] = Breakfast and Dinner