Naturpark Taunus

The imposing "Kirchenruine Landstein" are among the most significant—and at the same time most enigmatic—cultural monuments in the Taunus region. For generations, they have inspired the imagination of the people who live here. In our mind’s eye, we picture devout medieval pilgrims alongside red-robed monks absorbed in prayer or granting indulgences to the faithful in pursuit of eternal salvation. While historical records document a church at this site as a destination for pilgrimages in the early 16th century, recent research has uncovered evidence of considerably older predecessor churches.

With the advent of the Reformation, pilgrimage to the site declined and the church gradually lost its function. Until the early 17th century, markets were still held and justice administered in the shadow of the decaying structure. In the centuries that followed, legends and myths grew up around the solitary ruins, including the tale of the “Red Monks,” who are said to have once resided here.

In 2018, the Naturpark Taunus acquired the historic site and began comprehensive restoration work. The project was supported by funding from federal and state sources as well as by the Hochtaunuskreis. Through this careful restoration, the former pilgrimage church has been revitalized as a cultural landmark of outstanding importance to the region.

Even today, people continue to seek out places that radiate a special sense of spirituality. The ruins of the pilgrimage church „Unserer lieben Frau zum Landstein“ are one such place. Festive events are held here on a regular basis, underscoring the site’s unique atmosphere and historical significance. Strengthening the cultural landscape of the Taunus region is one of the many responsibilities of the Naturpark Taunus. For this reason, the restoration of the Landstein church ruins and their development as an event venue were matters of particular importance to us.

We would like to express our sincere thanks for the support of this project by the Hochtaunuskreis, as well as for the funding provided by state and federal resources.

Strengthening the cultural landscape of the Taunus region is one of the many responsibilities of the Naturpark Taunus. For this reason, the restoration of the Landstein church ruins and their development as an event venue were matters of particular importance to us.
We would like to express our sincere thanks for the support of this project by the Hochtaunuskreis, as well as for the funding provided by state and federal resources.