Heilsamer Brunnen

The history

South of Leobersdorf, on the road to Sollenau, is the Heilsame Brunnen, a regionally important place of pilgrimage. The spring, which is said to alleviate eye problems and, according to legend, has healed the blind, has an eventful history.

The spring was first mentioned in 1466 as the "Heylige Prunn" in the Enzesfeld Urbarium of Christoph von Spaur, and settlement remains from the Bronze Age also point to an abandoned village called Pölla, which was located in the vicinity of the spring.

However, the spring must have been buried, as its documented emergence after a Sturm, during which witnesses say the earth shook, is dated April 23, 1626.

The spring initially became famous for its reputed healing properties, and even the terminally ill are said to have recovered. People with eye problems in particular sought it out, a blind woman had her sight restored and the son of Peter von Braun (1758-1819), lord of Schönau an der Triesting, would have been cured of a serious eye condition. The leakage of the spring helped the municipality of Leobersdorf to have its weekly market rights renewed by Emperor Ferdinand II. As a result, a wooden chapel with a bell was built over the spring from the proceeds of the offerings, which was destroyed in 1683 during the Second Turkish Siege of Vienna. It was restored, torn down during a Sturm in 1733 and rebuilt. The chapel was rebuilt from wood in 1738, but fell victim to a fire in which only the image of the Virgin Mary remained intact.

In 1780, the Traiskirchen district authority forbade the people of Leobersdorf from replacing the little church with a brick building and it only took on its present form in 1850, when the parish had it built as a timber-framed structure with the support of local councillor Josef Hobodides. However, it remained without a measuring license. Finally, sales huts were grouped around the building.

The Heilsame Brunnen became the destination of the annual supplication processions on St. Florian's Day (May 4). On Sunday, May 30, 1926, around 1000 worshippers celebrated its 300th anniversary after the church had been renovated by the municipality of Leobersdorf to mark the anniversary.

Towards the end of the Second World War, the Marienkapelle was completely destroyed by Russian soldiers, but on May 13, 1945, 300 believers made a pilgrimage to the makeshift shrine. The solemn re-consecration took place in the same summer. After a general renovation in 1990, the chapel was opened on April 22.

The water from the spring was examined and analyzed between 1956 and 1966. It is identical to the water that flows from the nearby well of the water supply association.

Since the water in the shaft of the chapel dried up in 1970, the water has come from the association's pumping stations.

Revitalization

The revitalization of the Healing Well is being supported by 2 bodies. Funding for the renovation of the chapel and the stalls was obtained from the Triestingtal Leader region. The Leader funding of approx. 70,000 euros is supported by the Province of Lower Austria and the European Union. On the other hand, the Lower Austrian Urban Renewal Agency is providing funding for the outdoor facilities (planting, fountain renovation, outdoor areas, parking lot, etc.) in the amount of approx. 80,000 euros.

Stabilization

The most important point in connection with repair work on the chapel was the stabilization of the building. An excavation test suggested that the historical foundations, including those on wooden piles, were no longer sufficient. In consultation with a structural engineer, the URETEK method was to be used. Holes with a diameter of 25 mm were drilled around the chapel at intervals of approx. 70 cm, through which injections and compaction measures were carried out to a depth of around 2.5 meters below the foundation. With this type of foundation stabilization, the load-bearing capacity of the subsoil was restored.

Roof covering

The roof of the chapel was also in need of renovation. Thanks to the Polsterer clay roof factory and its proximity to the former Wienerberger tile industry sites, Leobersdorf has a certain tradition that could be used for the chapel. By using glazes in several colors and choosing a smaller tile format, it was possible to give the roof a very attractive design. The necessary adjustments to the roof truss could be made from the outside without damaging the interior.

Entrance door

A classically beautiful wooden door with vandal-proof glass panels allows a view into the chapel even when closed.

Chapel interior

The interior of the chapel was also to be upgraded and made more welcoming. In order to better showcase the altar, the iron grille was replaced by a folding glass door. A new statue of a saint and new pendant lights were to make the interior of the chapel more attractive.

Sales stall

There are two old stalls on the site. The better preserved one should be revitalized and can then be used to present the Leobersdorf tradition of blue painting on pear jugs and to enable the sale of hand-painted vessels for the extraction, transport, storage and consumption of water from the Heilsamer Brunnen.

Outdoor facilities

The outdoor facilities around the Healing Fountain have been redesigned. According to a planting concept, there will be plenty of greenery around the chapel in the future. In future, access will be through a gate so that visitors can consciously enter the area. A pavilion has been erected to the right of the chapel. New seating will be created and a new, modern toilet facility will be built.