Grace Church "Maria im Busch

A slope once overgrown with bushes gave the pilgrimage church "Maria im Busch" its name.

It is one of the oldest places of worship in Dingelstädt and was first mentioned in a document on May 14, 1424. However, tradition and the essentially Romanesque architectural style suggest that the chapel is much older. According to an old legend about the origin of the pilgrimage, the church was built around the middle of the 13th century.

The "little church", as the people of Dingelstadt affectionately call it, has had to endure a lot in its history. It fell victim to the flames in major fires in 1688 and 1838. However, the 15th century miraculous image, a carving made of lime wood by an unknown master, remained intact. St. Mary's Church has undergone many changes. The interior, vault and altar have been redesigned several times.

The church underwent its most recent restoration in recent years. A comprehensive renovation of the church was completed in summer 2020. In addition to the extensive renovation of the masonry, the interior and the exterior, the church windows were also redesigned and the war memorial chapel was refurbished. The names and ages of all those who lost their lives in war and violence can now be read on glass crosses. A digital terminal allows visitors to search for individual fallen soldiers and read statistics.

The church is very important to the people of Dingelstädt. Every year on Easter Monday, pre-school children from the village of Dingelstädt circle the church with their decorated hobbyhorses. Spectators present the little ones with sweets. This custom goes back to a legend from the Thirty Years' War. According to legend, a horde of Swedish horsemen wanted to plunder the church. However, the horses shied away from the church portal and tried to throw the riders off. Three horseshoes came loose and got stuck in the church door. As a result, the church was spared from the raid.

Every year in September, the "Marienkirmes" takes place on the weekend of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.