A terrific baroque building: Basilika Mariatrost, Graz (with sketches)

A terrific baroque building: Basilika* Mariatrost, Graz (with sketches)

July 2016

The lovely Mariatrost Basilica is a baroque style building on top of the Purberg hill, a steep climb from the bus stop including some 225 steps.  There’s a lovely view from the top-  see my pen and ink sketch below- and what’s inside is a superb example of the baroque.

Construction began in 1714 by Andres Stengg and his son Johnann, finishing in 1724.  The fabulous pulpit (1730/31) is a stunning design. The excellent ceiling frescoes are by Lukas von Schram and Johann Baptist Scheidt..  The wings were a monastery, once occupied by the Paulines (1708–86) and later the Franciscans (1842–1996).

The pulpit was designed by Veit Koniger.  It depicts significant events in Mary’s life.  Three large allegorical figures symbolize the three godly virtues, faith, hope and love.

* ‘Basilica’ is an architectural term dating from Roman times, referring a structure with a main aisle and one or two side aisles on each side.