MARIAZELL

BEYOND FAITH

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:

Explore the Bürgeralpe Mariazell mountain with its aerial cableway, the lumberjack adventure park Holzknechtland & Biberwasser, the WakeAlps water ski lift and several BikeAlps mountain bike trails
Visit the town of Mitterbach with its chairlift, mountain go-carting track, climbing playground and summit hiking path
Experience the natural wonders of Lake Erlauf for swimming, diving and boating
Enjoy art, culture & culinary delights in the treasure chamber at the basilica, at the museum of local history in Mariazell or on a ride with the museum tramway. Experience the gingerbread bakery erLEBZELTEREI Pirker, the production of the famous Magenlikör digestif and the workshop of Pantherstrick Arzberger as well as visiting the pharmacy Apotheke Zur Gnadenmutter

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.

YOUR LOCAL CONTACT

Pilgrimage and Tourist Office

Municipalité de Mariazell

Pater Hermann Geist Platz 1, 8630 Mariazell

Tel.: +43 3882 2244

E-Mail: office (at) mariazell.gv.at

www.mariazell.gv.at

TOP 5 SIGHTS IN MARIAZELL

Mariazell Shrine

Pilgrims seek out the wooden Madonna with a child named “Magna Mater Austria”, which is housed in the impressive Basilica of Mariazell. The statue stands about 50 cm high and is clothed in beautifully worked dresses, except on two occasions: September the 8^th (Nativity of Mary) and December 21^st (Foundation of the monastery).

Pilgrimage history

According to legend, a monk named Magnus was sent by his abbot to a valley named “Zellertal”. He brought with him a Madonna that he had carved himself. As a huge rock was in his way he called upon Mother Mary’s help. As this was granted he placed the Madonna on a wooden stump, which is still part of today’s altar.

Special pilgrimage days

One specialty in Mariazell are the pilgrimages of special interest groups e.g. from Croatia, from the Farmers’ Union, the Austrian police, the rural youth organizations, the Red Cross and many others. May devotions, Feast of the Assumption on August 15^th with herbal benedictions, events in the Advent season, the patronal feast day on September 8^th as well as the Foundation Day on December 21^st are additional important pilgrimage days.

Advent Season in Mariazell

At the heart of Austria’s largest traditional Advent Market is a yearning for old-fashioned traditions, arts & crafts and regional delicacies. A living nativity scene, a post office for Christmas letters in a life-size gingerbread house and handicrafts just for kids make the visit special. Grand concerts and humble devotional services, song recitals and readings are just part of the evening programs offered.