Austria's most important pilgrimage site with a Gothic basilica and a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, destination of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually.
Basilika Mariazell, located in the heart of Styria, is the most visited pilgrimage site in Central Europe. Since the 12th century, pilgrims have come here to venerate the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, carved from linden wood. The current late Gothic basilica was gradually expanded and includes Baroque elements, dominated by a 90-meter-high central tower.
Inside, do not miss the Chapel of Miracles with the altar and the famous statue, the treasury with gifts from emperors and pilgrims, and the impressive organ. Around the basilica, you will discover picturesque streets with pilgrim shops and beautiful nature, Lake Erlaufsee, and ski areas.
For Czech tourists, Mariazell is easily accessible by car (from Prague about 4-5 hours, from Brno about 2.5 hours). Park at the central parking lot and walk along the pilgrim path. The basilica is open daily, admission free, guided tours in Czech can be booked in advance. Do not forget to try the traditional Mariazell gingerbread.
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GPS: 47.7728, 15.3187
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Foto: Uoaei1 · CC BY-SA 4.0
