Pilgrimage Church Maria Plain

A place of spirituality at the gates of the city of Salzburg

Baroque ensemble surrounded by green countryside in Bergheim near Salzburg

“For God so loved the world” – The words written above the cross at Calvary will come to mind when you travel up Maria Plain. Since 1674, the pilgrimage church, which was once one of the most popular Marian devotion places in the Alpine region, towers above the city of Salzburg. The view of Salzburg all the way to the Alps, the listed ensemble of church and chapel and the glorious countryside all cast their spell on pilgrims, hikers and day visitors.

The history: Maria Plain Once…

Pilgrimage Church Maria Plain

The image of grace

The story of Maria Plain begins in the Thirty Years’ War, when the holy image of “Mary with Baby Jesus” by Rudolf von Grimming arrived on the Plainberg by Salzburg. There, it was preserved in a wooden chapel. Just one year later, the original had to be returned and was replaced by a copy for the large inflow of pilgrims.

The building of the church

In 1671, the construction of the church began under Archbishop Max Gandolf and was completed with the dedication in 1674. The original picture was also donated to the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Trost in Bavaria, where it has been kept to this day. The yellow-white facade of the basilica with the two towers on the Plainberg shines even from far away.

Mozart and Maria Plain

Even the Mozart family enjoyed visiting the town to offer up prayers and to enjoy the beautiful view. Wolfgang Amadeus is also said to have composed his “Coronation Mass” to honour the image of Mary. This was originally performed in 1779 and is still performed on the 5th Sunday after Pentecost in Maria Plain every year.

… and today

Pilgrimage church interior view

Place of power and natural monument Maria Plain

Athletes, hikers and nature lovers are also drawn to Maria Plain, where many paths invite visitors to take a stroll. The conservation area is considered a place of power. After the climb, take a rest under the large lime tree in front of the church, which has stood there for over 100 years.

Destination for pilgrims and wedding couples

Whether you are a pilgrim or a hiker (on the Way of St. James), are having a Sunday family day out, visiting a trade fair or simply want to enjoy the grand panorama: Maria Plain in the north of Salzburg is a truly unique place which casts its spell on tourists and locals alike.

The beautiful place is also popular with lovers and wedding couples. Many people have already celebrated their wedding or wedding anniversary at this sacred place.

Holiday in Salzburg at the Hotel Scherer

Located in the centre of Salzburg, the family-run Hotel Scherer awaits you for your holiday in the city of Mozart. Whether as a group, with the family or as a couple, the location including parking spaces directly at the hotel is perfect for exploring the old town. For excursions into the surrounding area, Salzburg’s main railway station and the bus station are only a 5-minute walk away.

The team at Hotel Scherer looks forward to your enquiry!

Hotel Scherer (exterior view)
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