The chapel of the Bruderberg, located in Rosheim in the Lower Rhine, occupies a sub-vosgest hill. Its remains date back to the 14th century and the first mention of its patron saints dates from 1471: the Virgin Mary, Saint Gangolf and Saint Thiébaut. Over time, devotion has concentrated on the Virgin of the Seven Pains, which became the central figure of worship.
Sold after the Revolution, it was bought in 1835 by the parish priest Jean-Baptiste Raess, who installed hermits there until the end of the 19th century. Restored in 1972 thanks to volunteers, it remains a modest building of 15 meters by 6, with a unique nave and a flat-side choir. In 2025, problems of waterproofing and roofing led to a restoration project aimed at covering and frame, with traditional materials to preserve heritage authenticity.
About six kilometres from Mount Sainte-Odile, the chapel shares the status of historical pilgrimage site. It is integrated into hiking circuits linking Rosheim to Mont Sainte-Odile, offering walkers a course of 10 to 12 kilometers, with 400 to 500 meters of elevation, or three to four hours of walking. This path combines spirituality, heritage and wine-growing landscapes.
The chapel was for a long time a place of regional pilgrimage, welcoming processions and rural chapters. Even today, she remains alive during the feast of Our Lady of the Seven Pains, Ascension and Good Friday. In December, it sanctifies with the path of Christmas crèches, perpetuating a spiritual and cultural tradition.
