Travel Guide Mariazell

The small town of Mariazelle is nestled in a verdant, wooded mid-mountain landscape typical of the last north-eastern extensions of the Austrian Alps. The site is famous for its basilica and the pilgrimage associated with it. This is the most important pilgrimage in Austria. On the border with Lower Austria, this town is a gateway to the mountains, with its attractive natural surroundings. Human occupation of the site began in 1157, when a priest came to stay, in possession of a lime-wood Marian statuette. He built a small cell(zelle) to house and honor the object of his devotion: the "Cell of Mary". Hence the name Mariazell. Following the first miracles recorded, Christianity flocked to the site. Two centuries later, King Louis I of Hungary had an "altar of grace" built to thank the Virgin, to whom he attributed his victory over the Turks. The present-day basilica, built in the 17thcentury by Sciassia, was the site of Empress Maria Theresa's First Communion, and was also frequented by the Habsburgs. Local attractions include the Brandhof, the local museum and the hunting museum. Nearby, Halltal, Sankt Sebastian, Sankt Anton, Puchenstuben and Annaberg are all ideal green vacation resorts. And a small lake invites you to swim in summer or skate in winter. A great place to stay, relax and hike.