Free printable vintage Holy Hill postcards feature beautiful images of one of the country’s most iconic religious pilgrimages.
Holy Hill is advertised as “American’s favorite place of pilgrimage” on nearly all of the postcards in this collection. While Holy Hill doesn’t have a chapel nearly as grand as Milwaukee’s Basilica of St. Josaphat or St. Stanislaus, the off-the-beaten-path location ensures it remains a destination. Built up on a hill, you can’t miss Holy Hill as you approach the destination. The views from the 178-step observation tower are the best you’ll find anywhere in southeast Wisconsin.
Holy Hill is located in Erin, Wisconsin, right outside of Hubertus. It’s approximately 30 minutes northwest of Milwaukee. The campus sits about 1,500 feet above sea level and 827 feet above the surface of Lake Michigan, making it the highest located church in the state of Wisconsin. The two towers of Holy Hill are 289 feet tall.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a religious destination that offers the grace and charm of Holy Hill. The images in this collection of 28 printable vintage Holy Hill postcards give you a little glimpse into this stunning historic location.
About the free printable vintage Holy Hill postcards
You may download and print the postcards as many times as you wish for personal use, including classroom use. You may use the postcards for limited runs (5,000 or less) of handmade physical items to sell (i.e., pillows, coasters, collages). You are not authorized to sell the postcard images themselves as prints, only items you create with them.
Handmade physical items DOES NOT include made to order sites like CafePress and Society6. The sale of the download files themselves and of digital items using these images is also not allowed.
Additionally, please don’t distribute the download files. If family, friends, or co-workers would like their own postcards, please send them a link to this post, so they can download their own files. Thank you!
I have an extensive guide about how to print and frame vintage postcards, which includes full details about the sizes and formats of the downloads I offer here. If you still have questions after reviewing the guide, don’t hesitate to ask.
The low-resolution preview images in this post are purely for preview purposes. They are not suitable for printing. Use the download links to ensure you’re getting high-quality images in the size(s) you would like.
Air Views
Holy Hill is located in a gorgeous area of Wisconsin with stunning views everywhere you look. The air or aerial views of the entire Holy Hill campus and the surrounding area are so beautiful.
Air View 1
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Air View 2
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Friess Lake From the East, Holy Hill in the Distance
Friess Lake is a small lake directly east of Holy Hill, just west of 164 and just south of 167. This picture is from the east side of Friess Lake, looking west, with Holy Hill in the background.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
You may almost miss the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at Holy Hill, tucked back in a little corner of the grounds. People attribute the fact that it remains in pristine original condition to the innumerable blessings which have gathered in memory about the sacred space and to the sweet air of sanctified “homeliness” which pervades the grotto.
Our Lady of Lourdes deigns to offer gracious intercourse with her devout followers. They gather at her feet, requesting favors and singing hymns of gratitude and affection.
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, landscape view
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Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, portrait view
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High Altar in the Church
The gorgeous high altar in the church at Holy Hill. The postcard depicts the beautiful intricate detail and rich colors of the stain glass.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Home of the Carmelite Fathers
Holy Hill is a Carmelite community. The Carmelite Friars are known as “active contemplatives,” devoted to prayer and ministry. They’re called to prayer and to share God’s Word with others. [Source]
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Interior of the Church
The interior of the church at Holy Hill is not particularly grand or ornate but still very beautiful and reverent.
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In Winter
One of my all-time favorite views of Holy Hill, this postcard features the grounds at winter time. The church at Holy Hill is so pretty surrounded by snow-covered hills and trees.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Main Entrance to the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians
The main entrance to the church at Holy Hill, showing the stairs, wooden doors, and stained glass windows.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Sacred Heart Statue and Steps, Looking From the Monastery to the Church
The view at Holy Hill from the monastery looking up at the church. You can see the steps and the Sacred Heart statue.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Shrine Altar of Our Lady of Holy Hill
The shrine altar of Our Lady in the church at Holy Hill.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Stations of the Cross
Holy Hill has one of the largest permanent Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross that you’ll find in the Midwest, if not the country. While they do offer organized Stations of the Cross, the stations are open to the public the vast majority of the time.
Entrance to Holy Hill, With First Station of the Way of the Cross
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
Pilgrims Praying at First Station of the Way of the Cross
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First Station of the Way of the Cross
The first station: Jesus is condemned to death.
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Second Station of the Way of the Cross and View Toward the Entrance
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Second Station of the Way of the Cross
The second station: Jesus is made to bear his cross.
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Eighth Station of the Way of the Cross
The eighth station: the women of Jerusalem weep over Jesus.
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Ninth Station of the Way of the Cross
The ninth station: Jesus falls for a third time.
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Eleventh Station of the Way of the Cross
The eleventh station: Jesus is nailed to the cross.
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Twelfth Station of the Way of the Cross
The twelfth station: Jesus dies on the cross.
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Thirteenth Station of the Way of the Cross
The thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross.
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Fourteenth Station of the Way of the Cross
The fourteenth station: Jesus is placed in the tomb.
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Steps Leading From the Monastery to the Church
The view features the concrete steps connecting the monastery and the church at Holy Hill. On weekends from Memorial Day through the end of October, the stairs are crowded with visitors who have made their way to the famous pilgrimage.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
View from the North
The view of Holy Hill from the north.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
View from the South, Older Version
An older view of Holy Hill before the present church was completed and consecrated in 1931.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
View from the South, Newer Version
The modern view of Holy Hill looking south.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
View from the West
The view of Holy Hill from the west.
Original size | 4×6 | 8×10 – slight border | 8×10 – large border
I have a comprehensive guide detailing the various download sizes I provide for my vintage postcard collections. It will help you choose the best sizes for framing purposes and DIY projects. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
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