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.
A winter stay in Mariazell can be enhanced this season with a special attraction – Lichterzauber on the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe, a series of evening light installations set in a particularly scenic mountain landscape. For those who have not yet visited Mariazell in winter, this is the last opportunity to plan such a trip.
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As the Shrines of Europe Association, we always come together in this special time of the year. We warmly invite you to watch and share Christmas wishes from all the cities of the Shrines of Europe, each bringing its unique voice and local tradition into this common message of hope. May this festive season bring peace, hope, and joy to our communities, our pilgrims, and all who seek light on their journey.
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In the heart of Styria, at the foot of the picturesque Alps, lies a place that has attracted crowds of pilgrims and tourists for centuries – the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mariazell. Here stands a small, simple, yet majestic statue known as Magna Mater Austriae, which has united people of different passions, languages, and nationalities for centuries.
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On the first weekend of July, Loreto transformed into a vibrant center of spirituality, culture and meetings. It was here, on July 4, that the third edition of the Shrines of Europe Festival took place – an event that proved once again that music, friendship and diversity can build real bridges between people and cities.
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In Catholic tradition, May has for centuries been a month especially devoted to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. It is during May that the Litany of Loreto is recited in churches, roadside chapels dedicated to Mary are adorned with fresh flowers, special Marian services are held, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines increase.
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Since yesterday, the Catholic Church has been in mourning. On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died. Today, we recall the pilgrimages to the cities of the Shrines of Europe that the Holy Father made during his pontificate.
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