This famous baroque church, standing isolated in a field in a superb setting just outside the village, has been the destination of great pilgrimages since the 15th century. According to the legend, St Coloman rested, preached and grazed his cattle in Schwangau during a pilgrimage trip he made in the 11th century from his country Ireland, to Jerusalem.
The first chapel was probably built between 1350 and 1400. An altar consecration was documented in 1495, but it’s not clear whether the chapel had been rebuilt or just enlarged on that occasion. In 1552 the Emperor Karl V officially granted the Colomansfest in Schwangau the right to be a market day, so pilgrims had the opportunity to combine their pilgrimage with another important event.
Local craftsmen planned an enlargement to the church, implemented by the famous builder and artist Johann Schmutzer. The subsequent church was consecrated in 1685.
St. Coloman's Feast is in October, when a procession of more than 300 riders and their gorgeously dressed horse & carriages attract thousands to celebrate Mass there. According to the custom, at the end of the celebration the carriages ride three times round the Church and are blessed. Then, as in ancient times, the feast takes place all around the church.