Naturdenkmal Heidnische Opferstätte Loiwein
Description
Close to the hiking trail to Obermeisling, around one kilometer from Loiwein, is the stone formation of the "Heidnische Opferstätte" (pagan sacrificial site).
The boulders may have been given the name "pagan sacrificial site" due to the circular cut-outs. It is assumed that they were used for ritual purposes in pre-Christian times and were probably shaped.
At the place in front of the stones, there is a particularly strong chimney; a further indication of cult rituals.
The following legend has been handed down:
"In pagan times there was already a village between Meisling and Brunn am Walde. The people of this settlement once offered their sacrifices to the gods at the many hollow stones with deep bowls. They slaughtered animals in their honor and collected their blood in these stone bowls. Later, when Christianity had already taken root among the inhabitants of this region, the Mother of God came and bathed the baby Jesus in these bowls. That's why the rainwater still stays in these stone bowls for so long."
In the vernacular, there is still talk of an abandoned settlement near the sacrificial stones.
