Oberammergau, town in south central Germany, in Bavaria, on the Ammer River. Situated in the Bavarian Alps, Oberammergau is a popular tourist resort and noted wood-carving center. The famous Passion Play, which originated in 1634, is performed here. It was first presented by the inhabitants in gratitude for the end of a plague. Except for the years 1870, 1920, and 1940, the play has been presented every tenth year since 1680 in keeping a vow made by the 17th-century townspeople. The daylong performances are attended by thousands; a theater was built in 1930. Population (1997) 5,225.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Oberammergau Information info
|
