Maria Taferl, Pfarr- und Wallfahrtsbasilka, Maria Taferl, Austria
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Sorrows stands proudly on a hill, 233 meters above the Danube and 450 meters above sea level. This Roman Catholic pilgrimage church is located in Maria Taferl, Lower Austria, and it became a minor basilica in 1947. Moreover, Maria Taferl lies within the historic Nibelungengau settlement area, thriving due to the ancient Danube transport route.
Nearby, the town of Marbach, first mentioned in 1144, prospered from this trade route. As a result, pilgrimages to the church grew, significantly increasing Marbach’s prominence. Construction of the church began in 1660, and by the 18th century, Maria Taferl had become Austria's second-largest pilgrimage site, after Mariazell. In fact, the influx of pilgrims required 25 priests to manage the crowds. During the church's 100th anniversary in 1760, it hosted an impressive 700 processions and around 19,000 services.
According to legend, miraculous healings occurred in 1633 and 1642 near a cross oak tree above Marbach. In gratitude, Alexander Schinagel, one of the healed, commissioned a carved Pietà at the site in 1642. Furthermore, documents mention a chapel in Maria Taferl as early as 1659. Subsequently, construction of the pilgrimage church commenced in 1660, and it consecrated in 1724.
During the Josephinist era in 1784, authorities designated the church as a parish church to prevent closure, despite banning pilgrimages. Consequently, Pope Pius XII elevated the church to basilica status in 1947. Since 1969, the Oblati Mariae Immaculatae Order has managed the church. It underwent significant interior restoration from 1951 to 1954, followed by exterior restoration in 1982 and further renovations between 2004 and 2018. Thus, the church remains a vital spiritual site for future generations.
To reach the Parish Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Maria Taferl, follow these directions:
By Air: Fly into Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat):
Vienna is the closest major airport to Maria Taferl.
From Vienna International Airport to Maria Taferl:
By Train: Take the train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station) to the nearest train station, Melk or Pöchlarn. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Maria Taferl. By Bus: Regional buses from Vienna to Maria Taferl are available, though they might require transfers. By Taxi: Direct taxis can be arranged from Vienna Airport to Maria Taferl, taking approximately 1.5 hours. By Rail:
Travel to Vienna:
From Major Cities: Trains from cities like Salzburg, Graz, or Linz arrive at Vienna Hauptbahnhof.
From Vienna to Maria Taferl:
By Train: Take a train to Melk or Pöchlarn. From these stations, you’ll need to catch a bus or taxi to Maria Taferl. By Regional Train: Some regional trains might provide direct connections closer to Maria Taferl. By Bus: Intercity Buses: Use intercity buses to travel from major cities like Vienna to Melk or Pöchlarn.
Local Buses:
From Melk or Pöchlarn: Transfer to a local bus service or a taxi to reach Maria Taferl.
Summary: By Air: Fly into Vienna International Airport, then take a train or bus to Melk or Pöchlarn, followed by a local bus or taxi to Maria Taferl. By Rail: Travel to Vienna Hauptbahnhof, then take a train to Melk or Pöchlarn, and transfer to a local bus or taxi to Maria Taferl. By Bus: Use intercity buses to reach Melk or Pöchlarn, then switch to a local bus or taxi to get to Maria Taferl.
Be sure to check current schedules for trains, buses, and flights to plan your journey effectively.
Map Location
Mass Schedule
Sundays and Holidays at 2.30 p.m. in the Basilica
Sunday 2.30 pm in the Basilica Thursday 5.30 pm in the Crypt
7.00, 8.30, 10.00, 11.30, 18.00 Holy Masses
7.30, 10.00 a.m. Holy Masses
3.00 p.m. Annual Thanksgiving Service
6.00 p.m. Holy Mass
7.00, 8.30, 10.00, 11.30, 18.00 Holy Masses
7.00, 8.30, 10.00, 11.30, 18.00 Holy Masses
Open
Open hours today: 7:30 am - 6:00 pmToggle weekly schedule
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