Basilika Seckau - Mariä Himmelfahrt, Seckau, Austria
The Seckau Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Assumption, serves as the abbey church of the Benedictine Abbey of Seckau. Additionally, it acts as the parish church for the market town of Seckau in the Knittelfeld deanery of Styria. From 1218, it functioned as the cathedral of Styria until the bishopric moved to Graz in 1782. In 1930, the church earned the title of papal minor basilica. This made it the fourth church in Austria to receive this honor. It follows the Basilica of Mariazell (1907), the Herz-Jesu Basilica in Hall in Tirol (1914), and the Basilica Maria Rotunda (Dominican Church) in Vienna (1927).
Constructed from Seckau sandstone, the church features a Romanesque floor plan. It has a long, three-naved interior with three apses at the eastern end. Above the high altar, a striking Romanesque crucifixion group made of wood hangs. This group is suspended by oak beams and iron chains. In addition, the Habsburg Mausoleum stands in the left side aisle. It represents one of the early Baroque masterpieces of the Graz court.
Moreover, the Grace Chapel houses the Seckau Grace Image, the oldest grace image in Austria. This image dates back to around 1200. According to legend, Adalram von Waldeck discovered this jade-like stone relief in a tree. He built the church at that location. Experts believe artisans created the alabaster relief in a Venetian workshop, inspired by the Byzantine model of the Nikopoia.
Additionally, the Angel Chapel features Herbert Boeckl’s "Seckau Apocalypse." He painted this work between 1952 and 1960. This artwork beautifully depicts themes from the Revelation of John using fresco technique. Thus, it enriches the basilica's spiritual ambiance significantly.
To reach Seckau Basilica by air, rail, and bus, follow these steps:
By Air: Fly into Graz Airport (Flughafen Graz): Graz is the nearest major airport. You can find flights from various European cities. Airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and others serve this airport.
From Graz Airport to Seckau: By Train: Take a train from Graz Hauptbahnhof (the main train station) to Knittelfeld. The train journey takes about 1 hour. From Knittelfeld, take a local bus or taxi to Seckau.
By Bus: Regional buses connect Graz Airport to Knittelfeld. From Knittelfeld, take a local bus or taxi to Seckau.
By Taxi: You can also opt for a direct taxi ride from Graz Airport to Seckau, which is a more expensive option but convenient.
By Rail: Travel to Knittelfeld:
From Vienna: Board a train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Knittelfeld. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. From Salzburg: Trains from Salzburg typically require a transfer, often in Vienna or Graz, and take around 2.5 to 3 hours in total. From Graz: Direct trains from Graz to Knittelfeld take about 1 hour.
From Knittelfeld to Seckau:
By Bus: Local buses run from Knittelfeld to Seckau. Check local schedules for exact routes and times. By Taxi: Taxis are available for a direct ride from Knittelfeld to Seckau.
By Bus: Intercity Buses: Long-distance buses may connect major cities like Vienna, Graz, or Salzburg to Knittelfeld.
Local Buses: Once in Knittelfeld, you can use local buses to reach Seckau. Check local transit schedules for the latest information.
Summary: By Air: Fly into Graz, then take a train or bus to Knittelfeld, followed by a local bus or taxi to Seckau. By Rail: Travel by train to Knittelfeld, then use a local bus or taxi to get to Seckau. By Bus: Use intercity buses to reach Knittelfeld, then transfer to a local bus to Seckau.
Always check current schedules for trains, buses, and flights to plan your trip effectively.
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