Faukenstraße
A memorial stone marks the spot where, in 1634, while crossing the Goaßbrückerl (Bavarian for the “Goat Bridge”) across the stream here, a shepherd boy fell down dead — the very last victim of the plague in Partenkirchen.
The losses were so devastating during the pandemic, that the citizens of the nearby town of Oberammergau promised to re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus every ten years in His honor, forever, in their prayers to God, if only He would stop the plague.
The people of Partenkirchen promised to ring their church bells every Sunday at 4:00 PM.
And, true to their word, the citizens of Oberammergau have performed their Passion Play every ten years since the last plague victim died there. Just as the churches in Partenkirchen have rung their bells at 4:00 PM every Sunday for more than 380 years.
The only time the Passion Play hasn’t been performed as promised since 1634, was in 1920, because of World War I; in 1940, because of World War II; and in 2020, due to — of all things — a pandemic.
At Faukenstraße 1, the lüftlmalerei around the windows literally stand out.
In the center of the building, Saint Florian done in plaster relief.
At Faukenstraße 6, one can see a medallion of Mary with an infant Jesus by Eberhard Hülsmann, 1954.
At Faukenstraße 13, a house named “Zum Schütz’nweber,” or “To Protect Weavers,” one can see a lüftlmalerei of Saint Anthony of Padua, the Patron Saint of Lost Things, floating in the clouds above a Garmisch-Partenkirchen above a couple in traditional clothing.
Below, an inset picture of a weaver working at a loom.
Artist Eberhard Hülsmann, 1978.
At Faukenstraße 15, above the door, a lüftlmalerei shows the date the building was first built, in 1864.
Above the door at Faukenstraße 23, a medallion of Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost things, with a wreath of flowers.
All of the iconic images are present here, the infant Jesus appearing to a bald, Franciscan monk, with an open book and white lilies.
