Basilika Mariatrost

On the Purberg in the northeast of Graz stands the Basilika Mariatrost, one of the most significant pilgrimage churches in Styria. It was built from 1714 to 1724 according to the plans of Andreas Stengg and his son Johann Georg, after a grace-filled statue of Mary had attracted more and more pilgrims. The late Baroque structure with its two distinctive towers is visible from afar; pilgrims ascend to the church plateau via the Angelusstiege with 216 steps. Inside, the frescoes by Lukas von Schram and Johann Baptist Scheidt, the ornate pulpit, and the grace altar with the statue of Mary from the 15th century impress. In 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to Basilica minor. For cyclists, Mariatrost is a rewarding destination: the route leads through the green Mariatroster Tal, where the tram used to run for the pilgrimage – line 1 still operates today.