Description of the attraction
The Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is located in the eastern district of the Austrian city of Graz, named after the church itself - Mariatrost. The temple rises on a hill whose height reaches 469 meters above sea level. The Basilica of the Nativity of Mary is one of the largest pilgrimage centers in all of Austria.
The church stands on a high hill, which can only be climbed by a few steep stairs, so in winter the ascent to the temple can seem rather difficult. The temple was built in 1714-1724 in the late Baroque style. Distinctive characteristics of its appearance are two symmetrical towers located on the sides. The height of each of these towers exceeds 60 meters. The appearance of this bright, yellow-painted church with two monumental towers has already become a kind of "visiting card" of the city of Graz.
The architectural ensemble is complemented by two detached buildings that previously belonged to the monastery, in which the Paulins once lived, and until 1996 also the Franciscans. The Basilica of the Nativity of Mary in Graz was inspired by the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Rome, which belongs to the Jesuit order.
The church is distinguished by spacious interiors and luxurious furnishings, also mainly in the Baroque style. Of particular note is the pulpit, exquisitely decorated with reliefs, stucco and gilding, completed in 1779. The painting of the church dome, dedicated to the victory of Austria over the Turkish troops, is also interesting. These bright frescoes, replete with small details, were created for a rather long time - from 1733 to 1754.
The "pearl" of the interior decoration of the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is its main altar, decorated with carved columns and other attributes of the Baroque era. In the altar stands a Gothic sculpture of the Madonna, made in 1465 and corrected in the same Baroque style in 1695.
