Werl is the largest Marian pilgrimage site in the Archdiocese of Paderborn and is one of Europe's most famous pilgrimage sites.
The pilgrimage basilica with the image of the Virgin Mary is the destination of numerous pilgrims. The neo-Romanesque church was built between 1904 and 1906, as the neighboring monastery church had become too small for the growing number of pilgrims. With its striking towers and the spacious forecourt with its arcades and open staircase, the church has left its mark on the town far beyond its borders. The basilica was built from local green sandstone. Inside, the church surprises with its clarity. All pilgrims and believers are drawn to the Marian image of the "Comforter of the Afflicted". This dates back to the 12th century and used to be venerated in the Wiesenkirche church in Soest. In 1661, the statue finally arrived in Werl, where the Marian pilgrimage still attracts around 100,000 pilgrims today. In 1953, the church was elevated to the status of a "Papal Basilica" by the Vatican. Pilgrims have left "traces" on and in the church. On the forecourt under the arcades, for example, there are artistically designed plaques commemorating the anniversaries of pilgrimage groups, some of which have been making their way to Werl for centuries. It is still a tradition today for pilgrimage groups to carry large, artistically designed candles to Werl. These can also be found in the display case with the votive offerings. The colorful windows of the basilica are particularly worth seeing. Next to the basilica, the idyllic Way of the Cross square invites visitors to relax, reflect and meditate. (www.entdeckedeinwerl.de)
