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.
Few other pilgrimage sites in the world can boast as rich a history as Mariazell. This small town in Austria is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe, attracting thousands of believers each year to pay homage to Our Lady of Mariazell, known as the Magna Mater Austriae.
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World Tourism Day, celebrated every year on 27 September, is an important holiday that celebrates the role of tourism in our lives, its impact on the economy, culture, sustainable development and international relations. This year's theme of the celebrations, "Tourism and Peace", fits perfectly with the mission of the Shrines of Europe Association.
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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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