A short distance from the Monastery, St. Anna’s Chapel is clearly visible from the footpath leading to Flüh, situated at the edge of the forest. Along this path, you will find a 17th-century Stations of the Cross featuring 14 stone crosses that mark each station. The old stone crosses are adorned with metal plates displaying etched depictions created by the artist Ferdinand Schott in 1956.
Upon entering the open entrance hall, you are greeted by a clear view of the interior of the chapel. Dominating the altar is a representation of Anna Selbdritt, depicting Anna, the grandmother of Jesus, holding Mary in one arm and the divine child in the other. This imagery reflects an ancient truth: grandmothers carry the family, holding it together and providing support simply by their presence.
Anna has been venerated by the faithful since the first Christian millennium. During the Baroque era, large crowds of pilgrims would journey to visit the holy grandmother of Jesus on Anna’s Day (26 July), likely seeking her intercession for protection against thunderstorms that could threaten their harvest and livestock.
In more recent times, the veneration of Anna has diminished. Smaller groups of pilgrims still appreciate the chapel for prayers and devotions, such as the regular recitation of the rosary. For some time now, the parish of Metzerlen-Mariastein has been honoring Mother Anna on the evening of Anna’s Day. This simple and heartfelt tradition serves as a testimony for our time, reminding us that God, in Jesus, became one of us, surrounded by a family that naturally includes a loving grandmother.
The hexagonal dome was added to the older altar house, which features frescoes from the 15th and 17th centuries, around 1691 under Abbot Augustin Reutti. The dome was painted by Friar Fridolin Dumeisen from Mariastein, who passed away in 1708. Flanking the baroque altar are statues of John the Baptist and his father, Zechariah, holding an incense burner. Above them is a relief depicting Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.
