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.
![Basilika Mariatrost](https://i0.wp.com/www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/wp-content/uploads/Basilika-Mariatrost1.jpg?resize=300%2C225)
![Basilika Mariatrost, Mary at front and center (15th c with baroque decor)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/wp-content/uploads/Basilika-Mariatrost-int-3-mary.jpg?resize=300%2C199)
![Basilika Mariatrost, Mary at front and center (15th c with baroque decor)](https://i0.wp.com/www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/wp-content/uploads/Basilika-Mariatrost-int-2.jpg?resize=300%2C231)
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).
![Basilika Mariatrost pulpit](https://i0.wp.com/www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0861.jpg?resize=337%2C600)
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.
![Basilika Mariatrost section of pulpit, pen and ink](https://i0.wp.com/www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/wp-content/uploads/Basilika-Mariatrost-pulpit-small.jpg?resize=362%2C514)
![Basilika Mariatrost scenic view, pen and ink](https://i0.wp.com/www.garyjkirkpatrick.com/wp-content/uploads/Basilika-Mariatrost-scenic-view-small-1.jpg?resize=447%2C394)
* ‘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.