The Madeleine Hermitage in Räsch near Düdingen is carved into the cliffs above Lake Schiffenen. It consists of different rooms measuring 120 metres in total.
In 1448 there is a first mention of a hermitage in the hamlet Räsch. From 1609 the hermit is referred to in records. Most of the digging work has however been accomplished by hermit Johann Dupré and his helper Johann Liecht between 1680 and 1708.
Close to the cliffs of the river Sarine, Jean Dupré and his companion Jean Liecht spent more than 20 years carving out the crumbly molasse by hand. They enlarged areas that had already existed since the 15th century to create a vast hermitage, with chapel, sacristy, bell tower, antechamber, woodshed, heated bedroom, kitchen, refectory, boiler room, stairs, workshop, cell, cellar and terrace! The entire structure is 120 metres long. It has everything; a spring, which is accessible from the inside, supplies water, and the little garden provides fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers to decorate the sanctuary.
Monks who broke away from community life, as well as solitary devout lay persons, followed suit and lived as troglodytes. These hermits are known as the "brothers of the forest of Saint Mary Madeleine". Some of these hermits were famous in the region. The last inhabitant of this stone residence left in 1967.
Today the hermitage belongs to Düdingen Parish. To avoid its collapse and to preserve it for the public, the parish has conducted extensive renovations in 2005/06.
The hermitage is a site of special geological interest, but it was only lately discovered: The uneven, wave-like floor is a sign of fossil dunes created by a tertiary sea. Following the work from 1680 to 1708 natural erosion brought the initial sand shape to the surface.
As a consequence the visitor moves on dunes that bear evidence of a 20 million year old sea in Fribourg. The site has been declared worthy of conservation on the ground of its geological importance.
Info
Groups visits on request at the Catholic Parish (Phone +41 (0)26 492 96 20)
Admission:
There is no admission charge
Schwarzsee - Senseland Tourismus
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