Basilika Frauenkirchen
Burgenland
The Basilika Frauenkirchen, also known as the Basilica zu Mariä Geburt, is a prominent Baroque Roman Catholic pilgrimage church located in Frauenkirchen, Burgenland. Established as a pilgrimage site since the 14th century, it is famous for its early Gothic Marian statue "Maria auf der Heide" dating back to 1240. The church features a grand Baroque design with twin onion-domed towers each 53 meters tall, and an interior that is considered the most beautiful Baroque church space in Burgenland. Inside, visitors can admire rich stucco decorations by Pietro Antonio Conti and frescoes by Luca Antonio Colomba depicting scenes from salvation history. The high altar, gilded in the 19th century, is flanked by statues of Hungarian kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. The church has two crypts beneath it, one historically used for Franciscan members and the other for the Esterházy family. The basilica was rebuilt multiple times following destruction during the Turkish sieges of Vienna in the 16th and 17th centuries, with the current structure consecrated in 1702 under the patronage of Prince Paul Esterházy and architect Franz Martinelli. It was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 1990. The adjoining Franciscan monastery was restored recently, continuing the site's religious and cultural significance.
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Astuce: Visit during spring or summer for pleasant weather and to enjoy the green spaces around the basilica. Consider purchasing tickets or joining guided tours in advance during pilgrimage events to avoid crowds. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and pilgrims. The basilica is accessible by public transport and offers visitor information on its official website.
Faits intéressants
- •The Marian statue "Maria auf der Heide" dates from the early Gothic period around 1240 and was personally brought to the basilica by Prince Paul Esterházy from Forchtenstein Castle.
- •The twin towers of the basilica each reach a height of 53 meters, matching the building's length.
- •The church's interior decorations include stuccoes by Pietro Antonio Conti and frescoes by Luca Antonio Colomba, notable Baroque artists around 1700.
- •Two crypts beneath the church served as burial places for Franciscan monks and members of the Esterházy family until 1870.
- •During renovations in 2018, 25 skeletons were discovered in the monastery's courtyard, which were archaeologically examined.
Histoire
The village of Frauenkirchen was destroyed during the First Turkish Siege of Vienna in 1529, leaving the church in ruins for over a century.
After the Esterházy family acquired the area in 1622, the church was rebuilt between 1668 and 1678 but was again destroyed during the Second Turkish Siege in 1683.
The current Baroque church was constructed starting in 1695 under Prince Paul Esterházy with architect Franz Martinelli and was consecrated in 1702.
Over the centuries, the basilica underwent several renovations, including major restorations in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
In 1990, it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II, affirming its religious importance.
Guide du lieu
Twin Towers and Facade1702
The basilica's imposing Baroque facade features twin onion-domed towers each 53 meters tall, with a two-story central gable adorned with pilasters and statues including the Madonna figure dated 1240 and archangel Michael flanked by angels.
Interior Nave and Frescoescirca 1700
The spacious nave is 18.5 meters wide and 23 meters high, decorated with richly gilded stucco work by Pietro Antonio Conti and frescoes by Luca Antonio Colomba illustrating biblical scenes and salvation history.
High Altar and Marian Statue1240 (statue), 1873 (altar gilding)
The high altar, gilded in 1873, is flanked by statues of Hungarian kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. It houses the revered Marian statue "Maria auf der Heide," an early Gothic wooden carving from 1240 that was baroquely adorned with crowns and a scepter.
Franciscan Monastery1686-1733
Adjacent to the basilica is a Franciscan monastery originally built in the late 17th century, with a two-story four-wing structure and a garden wing added in the early 18th century. It was restored recently, including the cloister and technical systems.
Contact
Téléphone: 02172 2224