Mariazell Basilica

Mariazell Basilica
Mariazell Basilica
Religion
AffiliationCatholic Church
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusBasilica
StatusActive
Location
LocationMariazell, Austria
StateStyria
Mariazell Basilica is located in Austria
Mariazell Basilica
Shown within Austria
Geographic coordinates47°46′22″N 15°19′06″E / 47.7729°N 15.3184°E / 47.7729; 15.3184
Architecture
Architect(s)Domenico Sciassia
TypeChurch
StyleGothic, Baroque
Groundbreaking1644
Completed1683

Mariazell Basilica, also known as Basilica Mariä Geburt (Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary), is a Roman Catholic church building in Mariazell, Austria. It is the most important Christian pilgrimage destination in Austria and one of the most visited shrines in Europe.[1] In the church, a miraculous wooden image of the Virgin Mary is venerated.

Pope Pius X personally raised the sanctuary to the status of a minor basilica by a Motu proprio on 10 November 1907. Later, he ensured the coronation of the Marian image by a decree on 8 September 1908. Mariazell is the only church named as a national shrine of all German-speaking countries.