The Black Madonna of Cologne

Maria in der Kupfergasse or Mary of Copper Street is a lime-wood statue blackened over time like that of Loreto and many others. It has been in Cologne undoubtedly since 1630, the date at which it was brought there by some Carmelite nuns driven out of Holland.

As soon as it arrived in Cologne, this statue of the Madonna was greatly venerated and began receiving the visit of a constant stream of pilgrims.

During the Second World War, this affluence increased to the point that the image of Mary of Copper Street is now the most venerated Marian image in all Germany.

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