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Multi-day Tours
Every ten years from May to October, the world beats a path to the quaint little village of Oberammergau, high in the Bavarian Alps. Colourful murals adorn the exterior of charming hotels, restaurants, and shops, and window boxes overflow with geraniums. However, it is the world renowned Passionsspiele, or Passion Play, that visitors are coming to see. It is the most famous musical drama in the world - a play of epic proportion that has been drawing crowds for centuries.
The story line of the play comes directly from the Biblical accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and depicts Jesus from the time he enters Jerusalem until the resurrection. Much of the story is sung in opera-fashion, and a full concert orchestra embellishes the drama with a rich musical background. The Passion Play is a profoundly moving spectacle that compels viewers to ponder the significance of Christ's death and resurrection. Even for those who do not understand German, the visual and musical aspects of the play are deeply stirring, but complete translations are provided for foreign guests. The open air stage is big enough to hold 700 actors and the centurion's horse, plus a fiftyvoice choir. A shell covers the 5,000 seat auditorium so visitors are comfortably protected from the elements. There are 16 acts and 34 changes of scenery. Between the acts, there are still-life portrayals of Old Testament events. For example, a still life portrayal of the angel driving Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden precedes the live action of Christ driving the moneychangers out of the temple. Nearly one third of the 5,000 residents of Oberammergau have a direct part in the play. There are 104 speaking parts and about 900 non-speaking parts, including 350 children. Another 400 or so work behind the scenes as ushers, electricians, ticket-takers, wardrobers, singers and stagehands. The other 3000 or so are involved in the business of catering for all who visit. Most of those who arrive in Oberammergau to see the Passion play will come as part of a wider tour of which the Play is a highlight. All of our proposed tours at this time will include a twonight stay in Oberammergau. We are pleased to have a free morning to explore the village and its surroundings and of course, the shops area always a great attraction.
For more information, please contact us at 1.888.923.9183 or to book online, please complete our Reservation Form. |
Quick Facts
Day 2 Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday Morning at Leisure. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included. Performance Part 1 2 - 4:30 pm Performance Part 2 8 - 10:30 pm Overnight accommodation Day 3 Morning departure from accommodation following breakfast Schedule for 2010 Passion Play First Performance : May 15th, 2010 Last Performance : October 3rd, 2010 Two night package includes
Blocks of Tickets Preliminary Deposit Requirements
Preliminary Cancellation Conditions
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The play was first presented in 1634 in gratitude to God for sparing most of Oberammergau villagers from the Black Plague. It was mainly due to the geographical location of Oberammergau being surrounded by mountains and accessible only in the summer months that spared it from the plague. A villager, who had lived away, was overcome by homesickness, plus a desire to attend the anniversary celebrations in his home village, stole back under cover of darkness, unknowingly bringing the plague with him and soon his family and about 80 other villagers had died. The survivors plead with God to stop the plague and spare the rest of the village and vowed that they would stage a religious performance each decade in gratitude. God answered their prayer and stopped the plague, and they have faithfully kept their pledge, except when a Napoleon or Hitler interfered.
