Mariatrost Basilica

The Basilica of the Nativity of Mary, known as Mariatrost, sits atop the 469-meter Purberg in the northeast of Graz. Built of Devonian Schöckl limestone on a wooded ridge, this Baroque structure is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Styria. The history of the site goes back to the 15th century, when a miracle-working statue of the Virgin Mary arrived here from Rein Abbey. After the site was officially recognized as a place of pilgrimage in the early 18th century, the Paulines began construction under the direction of the Stengg family of architects. The shell of the building was completed in 1724, but full completion took until 1779. After the monastery was dissolved during the Josephine reforms, the Franciscans later took over its care, until the parish passed to the Diocese of Graz-Seckau in 1996. In 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to a minor basilica.

Architecturally, the church belongs to the high point of Imperial Baroque and takes the Jesuit church Il Gesù in Rome as its model. Two four-story towers and a central dome define the appearance of this cruciform domed church, which is enclosed by the wings of the former monastery. The interior impresses with its rich furnishings, centered on the late Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary from 1465, which was given a Baroque casing in 1695. The ceilings and walls are decorated with frescoes by Lukas von Schram and Johann Baptist Scheidt, depicting, among other subjects, the Mother of God as Queen of Heaven and historic victories. A remarkable pulpit from 1779 by Veit Königer shows allegorical representations of the Christian virtues as well as scenes from the life of Mary.

You can reach the basilica via the Angelus Stairs with 216 steps or via hiking trails. The site also lies on the Styrian Mariazellerweg pilgrimage route. Since 2020, the complex has been undergoing a thorough renovation, which has also restored the historic color scheme of lime white and ocher. The church is further enriched musically by two organs, including a large organ with 43 stops and a restored echo organ in the dome, which makes it one of the largest organ installations in the region.