Basilika Mariatrost, Graz

Perched atop Purberg hill in Mariatrost, a part of Graz, the Basilika Mariatrost stands as a remarkable example of Baroque architecture and religious significance. This site, highly esteemed in Styria, sits prominently at an altitude of 469 meters in Graz's northeastern region. Ascending towards the basilica, visitors encounter the grand Angelus stairway consisting of over 200 steps, leading to its majestic entrance.

Architecturally, the Mariatrost Basilica epitomizes Baroque artistry, characterized by two towering front spires reaching 61 meters high, along with a central dome that is visible from afar, shaping the church's distinctive profile. Complementing these features are two projecting wings, remnants of a former monastery inhabited by the Pauline Fathers from 1708 to 1786 and later by the Franciscans from 1842 to 1996, which contribute to the basilica's rich historical and architectural significance.

Construction of the basilica commenced in 1714 under Andreas Stengg and his son Johann Georg Stengg, culminating in its completion a decade later in 1724. Inside the church, visitors are greeted by remarkable elements such as the pulpit, a masterpiece by Veit Königer dating back to 1730/31, which serves as the focal point of the basilica's interior. The ceiling frescoes, skillfully crafted by Lukas von Schram and Johann Baptist Scheidt, further enhance the artistic appeal of the basilica.

The main altar of the church features a Madonna statue originally sculpted in the Gothic style around 1465, later adapted to Baroque aesthetics in 1695 by Bernhard Echter. This statue symbolizes the enduring reverence towards the Marian figure at the basilica.

The basilica's contemporary relevance is underscored by the presence of Father David Bauer, a Canadian ice hockey coach and Basilian priest, who conducted masses at the Mariatrost Basilica during his coaching tenure in Austria, garnering a significant following.

Elevated to the status of a basilica minor on October 28, 1999, the Mariatrost Basilica further solidifies its position as a significant Marian shrine in Styria, trailing only behind the Mariazell Basilica in terms of importance. This recognition reinforces its role as a focal point for pilgrimage and spiritual contemplation in the region.