Jakobs-Kapelle Kronberg

St. Jakob (25 June)

At the "Gross Chenner" below the Kronberg summit, the chapel stands on a beautiful hill on the way from Scheidegg to Kronberg.

The rectangular chapel has a steep gable roof with a closed turret. Inside hangs a bell, 44 cm in diameter with relief. It comes from the demolished ossuary in Appenzell and was cast in Constance in 1744. Masses have been allowed to be read here for around 550 years. The chapel offers space for about 16 people on eight benches. Since the decision of Bishop Dr. Robertus Bürkler in 1914, the secular and ecclesiastical responsibility for the chapel has been with the parish of Appenzell.

History
 

As early as the 13th century, there was a chapel at the Jakobsquelle on the Kronberg. It is assumed that a pilgrim who arrived home safely had the place of worship built out of gratitude. It was first mentioned in a document in 1464. In 1620, James and Bartholomew were named as patrons. Both are well-known and popular alpine cartridges. Next to the chapel stood a hermit's cottage.

A new chapel from 1859 fell victim to a fire in 1882, which had been started by a mentally disturbed person. In the same year, the chapel was rebuilt. In 1882 it received the bell of the former ossuary.

Due to moisture damage, because the soil was poor and because the space for the many believers at the service of St. James' Day was limited, a new chapel was built in 1925 on the eastern ridge of the Kronberg.

It was inaugurated on 25 July. The altar is by sculptor Neff. In 1926, the old chapel was demolished. In 1937, a small grotto was carved into the rock near the old chapel and the image of St. James was placed in it. In 1969, the chapel was restored. In 2004 a new floor was installed and in 2008 the turret was redressed and new shops were installed.

In the 19th century, the Jakobsquelle was one of the most famous healing springs in eastern Switzerland.