Where: Götzens, pilgrimage church; Zirl, Telfs (Moritzenkirche church), Axams (Lindenkapelle chapel)
Tyroleans love things that are tangible. Even in their faith, they favour examples in 3D of purely spiritual treatises. It is, therefore, no surprise that there is an ancient custom of setting up passion cribs in churches. These cribs portray scenes from the terrible events of Holy Week, also known as Passion Week, in incredible and almost disturbing detail. From the washing of hands and the flagellation, to the Way of the Cross, the Crucifixion and the suicide of Judas.
A particularly wonderful example of a passion crib can be found in the pilgrimage church in Götzens. The crib dates back to the last quarter of the 18th century and features an exceptional selection of dramatic scenes from the condemnation to the death of Christ. 250 painted paper figures populate the crib, which is 4.6 m long and 1.3 m deep.
