Einsiedeln Abbey is one of the most significant places of pilgrimage, drawing people from all over the world. During its history spanning more than 1,000 years, millions of believers have visited this pilgrimage site. Popes, emperors and kings, but also simple citizens, have lavished privileges, gifts and donations on this abbey with its vast European network. Thanks to the aura of this pilgrimage destination, the abbey survived the Reformation and the consequences of the French Revolution. The exhibition at the National Museum Zurich tells the eventful history of the abbey and of its pilgrimage. Many of the main exhibits are on show 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.