In 1415, when Styrian peasants first recorded the miraculous powers of a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary in this mountain valley, they could not have known they were founding Austria's second-largest Marian pilgrimage site. Six centuries later, the faithful still climb the paths over the Stubalpe, following routes their ancestors have walked since 1690, arriving at a Baroque sanctuary where Franciscan friars tend the ancient image with the same devotion their predecessors offered.
At the foot of the Stubalpe in western Styria, Maria Lankowitz combines Alpine simplicity with Counter-Reformation splendor. The church preserves its Gothic miraculous image within a Baroque setting created between 1678 and 1681. Rich furnishings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries fill the interior, while Italian frescoes by Felix Batazutti transform the walls into windows of sacred art. Outside, the Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School graze on summer pastures—the famous white stallions a reminder that this corner of Styria has long combined the sacred and the practical.
The Franciscan monastery north of the church, built between 1656 and 1665, continues the tradition of hospitality that has welcomed weary pilgrims for centuries.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Maria Lankowitz first appears in records in 1415, already established as a place of Marian devotion. The Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary that draws pilgrims dates to the fifteenth century; local tradition holds that it has worked miracles since its installation, answering prayers and granting favors to those who approach with faith.
The church is dedicated to the Visitation of Mary—the feast commemorating Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation. This dedication reflects the pilgrims' journey to encounter Mary, just as Elizabeth encountered her in the hill country of Judea.
Jakob Schmerlaib gave the church its present Baroque appearance between 1678 and 1681, replacing the medieval structure with a sanctuary worthy of the growing pilgrimage. A side chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony was added in 1712, and the magnificent high altar with statues of Saints Joachim, Anna, Zacharias, and Elizabeth was installed in 1767, completing the Counter-Reformation program.
The most famous foot pilgrimage departs from Obdach, crossing the Stubalpe to Maria Lankowitz—a tradition maintained since 1690 by generations of Styrian faithful who consider the mountain crossing an essential part of their devotion.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Maria Lankowitz
Wallfahrtskirche Maria Lankowitz
Pilgrimage Church of the Visitation
The Baroque exterior conceals a treasury of sacred art. The Gothic miraculous image of the Virgin presides from the high altar of 1767, surrounded by statues of the Holy Family's extended kin. Frescoes by the Italian painter Felix Batazutti cover the walls, depicting scenes from Mary's life and the mysteries of salvation. Side altars and furnishings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries create an atmosphere of Counter-Reformation splendor.
Antonius Chapel
The side chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony was added in 1712, expanding the pilgrimage complex. Devotees of the Franciscan saint pray here for lost items and impossible causes, continuing a tradition of Antonine devotion that complements the Marian focus of the main church.
Franciscan Monastery
The monastery north of the church, built between 1656 and 1665, houses the friars who care for the sanctuary and welcome pilgrims. The community maintains the tradition of Franciscan hospitality, offering spiritual guidance to visitors.
Treasury
The church treasury displays votive offerings and liturgical objects accumulated over centuries of pilgrimage—tangible evidence of answered prayers and grateful hearts. Ex-votos, silver hearts, and precious objects testify to miraculous favors attributed to the Virgin's intercession.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Visitation — May 31
The titular feast of the church commemorates Mary's visit to Elizabeth. Special Masses and processions honor the mystery that gives the sanctuary its name, with the Franciscan community leading the celebrations.
Assumption of Mary — August 15
The great summer feast brings pilgrims from across western Styria, many arriving on foot via traditional routes over the Stubalpe. Multiple Masses throughout the day accommodate the crowds.
Feast of St. Anthony — June 13
The Franciscan saint is honored at his side chapel, drawing devotees who seek his intercession for lost items and hopeless causes.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Gasthof zur Post (guesthouse) — Traditional Styrian inn near the church, offering simple rooms and regional cuisine. A convenient base for pilgrims arriving on foot.
Hotel & Restaurant Erzherzog Johann ⭐⭐⭐ — Historic hotel in nearby Köflach with comfortable rooms and excellent Styrian cooking. Reserve this hotel
Lipizzanergestüt Piber (guest house) — The famous Lipizzaner stud farm offers guesthouse accommodation, combining pilgrimage with a unique Austrian experience. Website
🚗 Getting There
By Car: Maria Lankowitz lies near Köflach, approximately 45 kilometers west of Graz. The drive takes about 45 minutes through the gentle hills of western Styria. Parking available near the church.
By Train: Köflach station lies on the regional rail line from Graz (approximately 1 hour). Local buses connect to Maria Lankowitz, or it's a pleasant 4-kilometer walk.
On Foot: The traditional pilgrimage from Obdach crosses the Stubalpe on paths used since 1690. The journey of approximately 25 kilometers offers alpine meadows where Lipizzaner horses graze in summer, combining physical effort with spiritual preparation.
📚 Further Reading
Franz Pichler. Maria Lankowitz: Geschichte und Spiritualität einer steirischen Wallfahrt — Comprehensive history of the pilgrimage site (in German).
🔗 Useful Links
Diocese of Graz-Seckau — Official diocesan website with pilgrimage information.
Steiermark Tourism — Visitor information for Maria Lankowitz and western Styria.
Franciscan Province of Austria — Information on the Franciscan community.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Mariazell (100 km) — Austria's national Marian shrine and Central Europe's most visited pilgrimage destination.
Maria Straßengel (50 km) — Gothic pilgrimage church north of Graz with important medieval frescoes.
Stift Rein (45 km) — The world's oldest Cistercian monastery, still active after 900 years.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." — Luke 1:45, proclaimed at the Visitation
