Pöstlingberg Basilica
Oberösterreich
Pöstlingberg Basilica, located on the summit of Pöstlingberg hill in Linz, Austria, is a prominent Roman Catholic pilgrimage church dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The church's origins trace back to a revered Marian image created by Linz sculptor Ignaz Jobst, which became a pilgrimage focus from 1716 onward. Constructed between 1742 and 1774 following designs by Johann Matthias Krinner and later completed by his son Franz Xaver Krinner, the basilica is a late Baroque cross-domed church featuring a circular central space crowned by a pendentive dome. Its impressive twin-tower façade, painted in white and soft pink with black tower roofs, dominates the city skyline. The interior houses the venerated Marian image in the choir since 1747 and features a notable organ installed in 2022 by Freiburger Orgelbau, artistically enhanced by Valie Export. The basilica was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope Paul VI in 1964 and remains a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Upper Austria.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Consider purchasing tickets or joining guided tours in advance during peak pilgrimage dates around September 15th. Discounts may be available for groups and seniors. The church is accessible by the historic Pöstlingbergbahn tram from Linz city center, providing a scenic approach. Check opening hours on the official diocesan website before planning your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The Marian image known as Maria Pöstlingberg is a Vesperbild depicting Mater Dolorosa, created by Ignaz Jobst.
- •The basilica's twin-tower façade is painted in a distinctive white and pale pink color scheme with black tower roofs, making it a landmark visible from Linz.
- •The current organ was installed in 2022, featuring 32 registers and was artistically designed by the artist Valie Export.
- •Some organ pipes from 1942 were repurposed by Valie Export for an art installation titled 'Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me' at Kunsthaus Bregenz.
History
The pilgrimage to Pöstlingberg began in 1716 when a Marian image by Ignaz Jobst was carried to the hilltop by a Capuchin lay brother, becoming a revered object of devotion.
A wooden chapel initially housed the image, but growing pilgrim numbers led to the commissioning of the current church in 1742.
Construction proceeded through the mid-18th century, with the church consecrated in 1748 and fully completed by 1774.
The twin towers were added in 1891-1892 by architect Raimund Jeblinger.
The basilica suffered roof fires in 1919 and 1963 but was restored each time.
In 1964, Pope Paul VI granted it minor basilica status, underscoring its religious importance.
Place Guide
Central Dome and Cross-Shaped Layout1742-1774
The church is designed as a cross-domed structure with a circular central space crowned by a pendentive dome resting on four rounded corners. The long western choir extends from the central space, while shorter nave and transept arms form the cross shape.
Twin-Tower Façadecirca 1774 and 1891-1892 (towers)
The richly articulated double-tower façade is the basilica's dominant exterior feature facing the city of Linz. It features a white and pale pink color scheme with black roofs on the towers, creating a striking visual landmark.
Marian Shrine and Choir1747
The choir houses the revered Gnadenbild (miraculous image) of Maria Pöstlingberg, transferred there in 1747. The image is central to the pilgrimage tradition and is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
Organ2022
The basilica's organ, built in 2022 by Freiburger Orgelbau, features 32 registers and was artistically designed by Valie Export. It replaced an earlier organ from 1950 with 37 registers.
Contact
Phone: 0732 7312280
