The heart of the town is the shrine of Mariazell and its magnificent basilica, an attraction for both pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Generation upon generation have left their marks here, as can be seen in the many treasure chambers, votive pictures and offerings left by pilgrims throughout the years. The Statue of Grace, Magna Mater Austriae (Magna Hungarorum Domina, Mater Gentium Slavorum) serves as a symbol of the journey for many of the people who visit Mariazell, often helping them to find their own personal aim in life.
In the summer months the Mariazeller Land Region offers numerous recreational activities in addition to leisurely hikes and climbing tours:
During the Mariazell Advent season, Austria’s largest traditional advent market offers a wide range of arts & crafts, regional delicacies and countless concerts and attractions for the whole family to help get you into the holiday spirit.
Throughout the winter, one of the most modern lift systems carries visitors to the perfectly prepared slopes of the Bürgeralpe mountain, as well as to the toboggan run and the snow park at the Gemeindealpe mountain.
We offer you our new series, the first part of which is now available on the "Shrines of Europe" Facebook profile. "7 out of 7" is a search for places and attractions that can be seen in each of our 7 cities. Despite different languages, traditions and histories, we have a lot in common. We will be happy to show it to you.
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It’s Easter which means a time for joy, spending with family and friends. In this unique time of year we wish you hope and beauty of springtime that gives the promise of brighter days. Let this Easter bring a basketful of joy for all of you! Happy Easter from the Shrines of Europe
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February is ending really well for Shrines of Europe! On February 22-23, 2024, the city of Ourem/Fatima (Portugal) hosted the 20th International Congress on Religious and Sustainable Tourism, which took place in parallel with the 11th International Workshop on Religious Tourism (IWRT). We were also present there as a group and presented ourselves at our Shrines of Europe stand.
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Valentine's Day is approaching. This is a special day of the year when we exchange small gifts, cards with hearts, order flowers and spend time together with our other halves. It is a holiday that some people love and others hate. For both, we have several attractions to see in the unique cities of Shrines of Europe. You can visit these places by yourself or with your loved ones.
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In the previous article, we encouraged you to visit Mariazell this fall. And today we learned that a group of young people from Częstochowa decided to visit this unique place on the map of Austria during their trip to Styria in the last days of September this year. And it was a really great idea!
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Autumn can be really beautiful, turning golden and enchanting with the colors of the leaves. This is the time of year favorable for outdoor activities: walking, hiking and hiking. Maybe it's worth combining physical recreation with soul renewal and going on a pilgrimage! And where? For example, to Mariazell!
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