アンベルクでののおすすめグラベルライド

ヴァルスター源流のきれいで良い水

The basilica in Mariazell is beautiful and world-famous

Always worth a visit

The Mariazell Basilica, officially the "Basilica of the Nativity of Mary," is considered Austria's most important pilgrimage site and is located 868 meters above sea level in the Styrian town of Mariazell. Its history begins in 1157, when, according to legend, the Benedictine monk Magnus erected a small linden wood statue of the Virgin Mary at this site – the miraculous image now venerated as the "Magna Mater Austriae." Over the centuries, these humble beginnings developed into a central Marian pilgrimage site for pilgrims from many parts of Central Europe, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Croatia. The current building was built primarily between 1644 and 1683 in the Baroque style, incorporating Gothic elements from the predecessor, such as the high choir and the approximately 90-meter-high tower. Inside, visitors will find magnificent Baroque altars, fine stucco, and the central Chapel of Grace, with its Romanesque statue of the Virgin Mary, sumptuously decorated with silver and gold. In 1907, Pope Pius XI granted the church the title of "Basilica Minor," and in 1983, Pope John Paul II visited the famous pilgrimage site. Today, the basilica is not only a spiritual center but also a significant cultural monument, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Mariazell is one of Europe's most important pilgrimage sites, with a history spanning over 850 years, attracting pilgrims from all over Central Europe since the Middle Ages – including numerous cyclists on spiritual or historical routes. The impressive basilica, the Baroque architecture, and the location in the heart of the Alps make the town a fascinating destination for culture-loving cyclists.

Of the three chapels once built at the three city entrances, only St. Joseph's Chapel on Wiener Neustädter Straße remains. The chapels on Wiener Straße and Grazer Straße were "in the way" of car traffic.

The Wuchtl-Wirtin is a virtually legendary inn on the Mariazellerweg.

Mariazell is always worth a visit, I think. Sitting in the sun on the main square for a while, maybe drinking a coffee. Wonderful.