Admire an extraordinary master achievement of Ore Mountain wood carving artistry!
The expression "mountain city" refers to Annaberg-Buchholz's inherent characteristics - the location in the foothills of the Pöhlberg, the extensive mining activity, the achievements of famous mine owners, craftsmen, and artists, and last but not least, the many who bore witness to mining history. In the only church in Saxony dedicated to miners, "St. Marien", the Miner's Nativity allows you to experience firsthand the impressively close relationship between the Christian belief system and the miner's tradition. This year the group consists of 32 large carved figures.
Unlike conventional Christmas nativities, the figures in this Miner's Nativity are depicted as traditional miners or citizens from the 16th century. It isn't the three wise men from the Orient bearing gifts for the newborn Christ child, but rather three mining officials from the leading Ore Mountain mining regions of Freiberg, Schneeberg, and Annaberg. Even the depiction of the holy family, with Joseph being shown as a mountain carpenter, are closely connected with the miner's tradition.
The savior's birth is announced by figure groups from the 16th century that are typical for the city. So, for example, the beggar and constable from the "City Watch" group, the priest and choir boy from the "Scholars" group, the callers and listeners from the "City Discussion" group, and the children or the master from the "Backer's Family" group are displayed for all to admire.
The Makers
Wood carvers Dietmar Lang, Ronny Tschierske, (both Annaberg-Buchholz), Jesko Lange (Zschorlau), Robby Schubert (Lößnitz) and Friedhelm Schelter (Königswalde), all members of the renowned Ore Mountain artist group "ExponaRt", are responsible for the artistic execution of this ambitious plan. The project's main supporter is the City of Annaberg-Buchholz. The city worked together with sponsors from companies and institutions as well as dedicated donors from the community to ensure that this wonderful project was realized step-by-step.
St. Marien Mountain Church
The group of figures is housed in the St. Marien Mountain Church (located right at the marketplace), the only church in Saxony dedicated to miners, which has been experiencing a cultural renaissance since restoration ended in 2005. Through its uniqueness, the church still stands as a witness to the mining industry of the Middle Ages in the Ore Mountain region.
Every year on the second week of Advent at 4 pm, a devotional mountain ceremony takes place in St. Anne's Church to introduce the new figures.
Opening times for the Mountain Church (at the market): daily 11 am to 5 pm
