Einsiedeln Abbey is one of the most significant places of pilgrimage in Europe, drawing people from all over the world. During its history spanning over 1,000 years, millions of believers have visited this pilgrimage site. Popes, emperors and kings as well as simple citizens, have lavished privileges, gifts and donations on this abbey and its vast European network. The abbey survived the Reformation and the consequences of the French Revolution owing to the sacred aura of this pilgrimage destination. This exhibition explains the eventful history of the abbey and many of the main exhibits are on display outside the abbey walls for the very first time. Examples include a manuscript said to have belonged to Saint Meinrad, a chalice from King Carol of Romania and the splendid clothes and jewellery of the Black Madonna.