Basilika Mariazell

The basilica received its current appearance with the two baroque towers and the Gothic central tower in the 17th century. In 1907, the church was the first church in Austria to be awarded the title of "Basilica minor" by the Pope due to its great importance. The pilgrims' destination is the late Romanesque image of grace, the "Magna Mater Austriae", which is also venerated as the "Magna Domina Hungarorum" (Grand Mistress of the Hungarian peoples) and the "Mater Gentium Slavorum" (Mother of the Slavic peoples). The 48-centimetre lime wood sculpture is located in the Chapel of Grace, which was built in 1690 and stands on the site of the first "cell".