Description of the attraction
One of the main tourist attractions in Linz is the Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, located on the Pestlingberg hill 539 meters above sea level. A tram line was built in 1898 to the top of the mountain, where the village of the same name was located, now included in the city of Linz. Now the ascent to the basilica, which locals often call by the name of the hill and the village where it is located, is not difficult and is accessible to absolutely all tourists.
The pilgrimage to Pestlingberg Hill began in 1716, when a wooden statue of Pieta was erected here through the efforts of the Capuchin monks. To protect her and the gifts of the pilgrims from the weather, a small wooden chapel was built over the statue.
The construction of the current basilica was made possible by generous donations from benefactors. It began in 1742. Six years later, the Temple of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin was completed. The statue, which pilgrims still come to worship, is in the center of the large altar. She depicts the Virgin Mary mourning her Son. The Mother of God is surrounded by cherubs and angels. The silver dove over Pieta symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Everyone who looks up to the ceiling of the church sees a fresco depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. Another attraction of the temple is the pulpit, which is painted in black and gold.
The baroque church of Pestlingberg received the status of a minor basilica from Pope Paul VI in 1964. An excellent view of the city opens from its foot.
