Mithras Cave / Pagan Chapel in Saarbrücken
pictures
description
brief description:
Mithraism, a mystery-cult religion celebrating Mithra, the Persian divinity of light, dates back to the Roman Empire. Religious practice was centred around a cave, the mithraeum. During the Middle Ages, the Mithras cave in Saarbrücken served as an hermitage for pilgrims. It is where bishop Arnualdus is said to have preached Christianity. Just below the rocky vault is an inscription from the 19th century, when the Stumm family still lived on the Halberg. The text mentions pagan priests and the legendary missionary Arnualdus
relevant filming facts
opening times:
visits by appointment only. The key can be obtained at the gated entrance of the Saarländischer Rundfunk (German public broadcaster)
usage:
tourism
surroundings:
the transmitter building of the Saarländischer Rundfunk is situated approx. 200 m above the Mithras Cave, which is located on the west side of the Halberg and surrounded by trees. The Saarbahn (public passenger rail transport services) passes at the
Space restrictions:
to be discussed
Time restrictions :
to be discussed
accessibility
car:
coming from Saarbrücken on the A620 urban motorway (direction Mannheim), take the St. Arnual exit. At the roundabout, take the second exit (direction Ostspange). After approx. 800 m, turn right onto Mainzer-Straße. After another km, turn right again, and follow the signposts indicating Halberg/Saarländischer Rundfunk. Leave your car on the visitor´s parking lot (approx. 150 m from the gated entrance of the Saarländischer Rundfunk). Follow the footpath and the signs - which are oftentimes concealed - indicating Mithrasgrotte. You should reach the cave in approx. 10 minutes
train:
the closest train station is Saarbrücken-Ost
supply
sanitary facilities:
none
parking lot:
available in front of the gate leading to the Saarländischer Rundfunk. From there, the cave can be reached in approx. 10 minutes on foot
electricity supply:
none
water supply:
none