Neuenalp-Kapelle Eggerstanden

Maria Hilf zum Bildstein (24 May)

Well-kept chapel in an idyllic location in the middle of a loose fir tree on the Neuenalpstrasse, surrounded by a beautiful cross fence.

The interior houses - behind a glass wall of the neo-baroque altar - a carved, clothed Madonna figure with real hair from 1700. Next to the door is a children's shoe with knee-high iron rods, probably around 1900, as a votive offering. A bell hangs in the turret. The entrance door is closed. Inside there are two small benches; on the beautiful forecourt in front of the chapel there is another 30 seats.

History
In 1867, earth slips were observed on the north-eastern slope of the Fähnern, which gave rise to serious fears. Cracks up to 5 metres deep and two feet wide appeared. The southern part of the forest was 30 feet deeper than three weeks earlier. On Sundays, thousands of people marched to this site and were powerless in the face of the natural phenomenon. In believing trust, the Steinegg-Eggerstanden timber corporation promised to build a chapel  in the threatened area if the prayer was answered . After that, the landslides  stopped and the forest was saved. True to their vow, the members of the corporation immediately set to work and built the chapel without outside financial help as a thank you. The consecration took place on 3 October 1867. Xaver Bobleter from Feldkirch painted the picture of the Virgin Mary. In 1885 the roof was tiled and in 1893 carpenter Räss created a new turret and the altar; Beda Sutter cast the bell for it in 1896. In 1986 the chapel underwent a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation, also in autumn 2009.