Overview:

Basilica Mariazell is a Baroque Catholic pilgrimage church located in Mariazell, Austria. The basilica was built on a site believed to have been visited by the Virgin Mary and is the most popular pilgrimage site in Austria. The church is decorated in vibrant baroque frescos and features an ornate marble altar, a spectacular organ, and a famous “Miracle Well”. The Basilica attracts more than 1.5 million pilgrims each year and is the site of numerous religious devotions and festivals. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. The Basilica of Mariazell is the largest Catholic pilgrimage site in Austria and one of the most important Romanesque churches in the Alps. 2. It was built in 1157 and took over 400 years to complete. 3. Every year, over one million pilgrims visit the Basilica. 4. The Basilica is home to a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, said to have been carved out of wood from the area. The statue is believed to work miracles. 5. Inside the Basilica is the famous Mariazell Altar by the Flemish master craftsman Hans Leinberger from the 16th century. 6. There are also works of art by Franz Seraph Zwinck from the 18th century, including a number of wooden sculptures and frescoes. 7. The architectural style of the Basilica is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance elements, with plenty of Baroque features added after the 16th century. 8. It is surrounded by a picturesque park-like surrounding, full of flowers, trees, a little pond and several chapels and monuments. 9. The Basilica also features several sexton houses. 10. Its world-famous 500-year-old bells are of great cultural importance to Austria, having been recreated in 1976. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

The Basilica of Mariazell is an important religious landmark in Austria. Located in the historic town of Mariazell, it is a place of pilgrimage and veneration for the Virgin Mary. The history of the Basilica dates back to the 10th century, when a Benedictine monk named Utto had a vision in which the Virgin Mary encouraged him to build a church in her honour in the local valley. Utto followed his vision and erected a small chapel, which quickly became a place of pilgrimage and devotion. Over time the chapel grew and was replaced with a larger church, which became known as the Basilica of Mariazell. In the 14th century, the church was damaged by a fire and underwent numerous renovations. In 1492, the foundation stone of a new Gothic basilica was laid. Construction was completed in 1514 and the church still stands today. The Basilica has a distinctive Baroque facade, intricate stonework, and a huge carved wooden altarpiece. It has a large bell tower that is 87 metres (285 feet) tall and an interior adorned with frescos and statues. Throughout its history, a number of relics have been placed within the Basilica, including the Glastonbury Cross (a relic believed to have once belonged to Jesus Christ), which was brought to Austria in the 14th century. In 1694, the relic of the beloved image of the Mother of God of Mariazell was brought to the basilica and enshrined as the main focal point. According to legend, the image of the Madonna was carved by St. Luke and transported from Palestine to Austria. Throughout the centuries, the Basilica of Mariazell served as a place of devotion, prayer, and healing. Many miracles are said to have taken place there, which have drawn thousands of pilgrims. Today, the Basilica of Mariazell remains a stunning example of late-Gothic style and an important symbol of Catholic faith. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Mariazell is the most visited pilgrimage destination in Austria, with some 2.5 million visitors each year. 2. The basilica was founded in 1157 by Blessed Otto, Bishop of Freising. 3. The church was consecrated in 1181 by Archbishop Eberhard of Salzburg. 4. There are many legends associated with the basilica. It is said that Mary appeared to an anchorite monk in the nearby forest and offered him a statue of the Virgin Mary, promising salvation and protection. 5. An impressive bronze door is the entrance to the basilica. It was made in 1832 by the French sculptor Pascal Dagnan-Bouveret. 6. The basilica is part of the 'Global Network of Sacred Sites', which has been set up by UNESCO to protect and promote sacred places around the world. 7. The basilica has a variety of unique features, including 8,000 painted tiles that cover the dome, bell tower, and the nave decorated with frescoes. 8. Inside the basilica, visitors can find a rare 15th century 'Gothic' painting of the Madonna and Child. 9. The basilica houses an ancient wooden crucifix, known as the 'Mariazeller Gnadenbild', which is believed to have healing powers. 10. More than 200,000 Christmas postcards with an image of the basilica are sent out each year. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era