Volkach in Kitzingen, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe
Und Davor ein Kapellchen und Almosenstock
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And for that a Chapel and Begging Stick
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, November 21, 2016
1. Und Davor ein Kapellchen und Almosenstock / And for that a Chapel and Begging Stick Marker
Soziale Fürsorge im Siechenhaus
So dürfte das Volkacher Siechenhaus ausgesehen haben: isoliert weit außerhalb der Stadt stand das ärmliche Gebäude. Eine Kapelle, ein Brunnen und ein eigener Hof ermöglichte den Bewohnern ein weitgehend selbständiges Leben. Kontakte zur Außenwelt sollten möglichst vermieden werden, denn im Siechenhaus lebten Aussätzige - Menschen mit Lepra. Mit hölzernen Klappern mussten Leprakranke auf sich aufmerksam machen, So sitzt rechts am Wegesrand eine „Lepröse" und bittet um Almosen. Im Boden steckt ein Stock, an dem ein kleines Spendenschälchen und eine Klapper befestigt sind.
Social Welfare at the Infirmary
Thus the Volkach infirmary might have looked (see Picture 3): isolated far outside the town stood the poor building. A chapel, a well and its own courtyard gave the inhabitants a largely independent life. Contacts with the outside world were to be avoided as far as possible, because persons with leprosy lived there. With wooden rattles, the "lepers" were to draw attention to themselves, as depicted here, with one begging at the edge of the road. In the ground is a stick, on which
this page online
Erected 2006 by Museum Volkach.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine.
Location. 49° 51.839′ N, 10° 13.625′ E. Marker is in Volkach, Bayern (Bavaria), in Kitzingen. It is at the intersection of Oberer Markt and Bahnhofstrasse, on the right when traveling north on Oberer Markt. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Oberer Markt 7, Volkach BY 97332, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in German Franconia. Globally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire and also the former West Germany.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Peter Ochs, Metzler / Peter Ochs, the Butcher (here, next to this marker); Bei einem Backofen / At the Baker's Oven (a few steps from this marker); Peter Geist
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, November 21, 2016
2. And for that a Chapel and Begging Stick Marker - Wide View
The marker is visible here on the left. It is the reverse side of the Peter Ochs, the Butcher marker.
Regarding Und Davor ein Kapellchen und Almosenstock / And for that a Chapel and Begging Stick. Leprosy is now more properly known as Hansen's disease.
Illustration from the Volkacher Salbuch, written by Niklas Brobst, Folio 458r, circa 1500
3. And for that a Chapel and Begging Stick Marker - Inset Illustration
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 19, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
