During the Thirty Years' War, flames swept through the Bavarian city of Regen, consuming homes, churches, and hopes. When the fires finally died, rescuers sifting through the ruins discovered something extraordinary: an image of the Virgin and Child, completely untouched by the conflagration that had destroyed everything around it. Word of this miracle spread across Catholic lands, and the image was sent to Salzburg, where it would become the heart of one of Austria's most beloved pilgrimage sites.
North of Salzburg, on a hill called the Plainberg, the Baroque basilica that houses this fire-surviving image commands views that extend sixty miles to the Alps. Maria Plain has been the traditional pilgrimage church of Mozart's city since Prince Archbishop Guidobald Thun built a chapel for the miraculous picture in 1652. Mozart himself performed here, and his "Coronation Mass" may have been written for this sanctuary where his family prayed.
Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Dario designed the present church between 1671 and 1674 under Prince Archbishop Max Gandolf. Its yellow-and-white Baroque façade, crowned with twin onion domes, has welcomed pilgrims for 350 years. In 1983, Pope John Paul II knelt before the same image that had survived the flames—adding his witness to that of countless pilgrims before him.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The story begins in devastation. During the Thirty Years' War, fire swept through Regen in Bavaria, destroying the city and claiming countless lives. When the flames subsided, an image of Mary with the Christ Child emerged unharmed from the ruins—a miracle that spoke of hope amid destruction.
Prince Archbishop Guidobald Thun recognized the image's significance and built a chapel for it on the Plainberg in 1652. The devotion grew so rapidly that his successor, Max Gandolf, commissioned a proper church. Giovanni Antonio Dario's Baroque design, completed in 1674, gave architectural expression to the faithful's devotion, creating a sanctuary visible from Salzburg itself.
The Mozart family held Maria Plain in special reverence. Leopold Mozart brought his children here on pilgrimage; Wolfgang Amadeus performed in the basilica and is said to have composed the "Coronation Mass" (K. 317) in 1779 for this sanctuary—though scholars continue to debate this attribution. What is certain is that the Mozart family's faith found expression in these hallowed spaces.
Pope Pius XII elevated Maria Plain to a minor basilica in 1952, recognizing three centuries of continuous pilgrimage. Pope John Paul II prayed before the image in 1983, strengthening the bond between this Alpine sanctuary and the universal Church.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Maria Plain
Basilika Maria Plain
Pilgrimage Basilica of Maria Plain
The yellow-and-white Baroque exterior features twin towers with distinctive onion domes visible from miles away. Reliefs of the Four Evangelists and the Madonna and Child decorate the façade. Inside, the main altar of 1674 displays Frans de Neve's painting of Mary's Assumption, framed by statues of Saints Maximilian, Vitalis, Rupert, and Virgil—the patron saints of the Salzburg diocese. The rich Baroque interior creates an atmosphere of reverent beauty.
The Miraculous Image
The painting that survived the Regen fire hangs above the high altar, the focus of pilgrims' prayers since 1652. The image depicts Mary holding the infant Jesus—a tender scene that has moved centuries of faithful to devotion. Votive offerings and thanksgiving plaques surrounding the image testify to answered prayers.
The Plainberg
The hill itself offers pilgrimage in the physical act of ascent. Traditional paths climb through meadows and forests, the views expanding with each step. The panorama from the summit—extending across Salzburg to the distant snow-capped Alps—rewards the climb with beauty that lifts the spirit toward heaven.
Benedictine Care
The sanctuary is administered by St. Peter's Archabbey in Salzburg, one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world. Benedictine monks have cared for Maria Plain since its founding, maintaining the liturgical life and welcoming pilgrims.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Assumption — August 15
The painting above the altar depicts Mary's Assumption, making this feast particularly significant at Maria Plain. Pilgrims fill the basilica for solemn celebrations, with processions and multiple Masses throughout the day.
Nativity of Mary — September 8
The feast of Mary's birth draws pilgrims to honor the beginning of her earthly life and her role in salvation history. Autumn celebrations in the alpine setting create memorable moments of faith.
Maria Plain Kirtag
The traditional parish fair combines spiritual celebration with Salzburg regional culture, drawing both pilgrims and visitors to the Plainberg.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotel Goldgasse ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Elegant hotel in Salzburg's old town, a short drive or bus ride from Maria Plain. Reserve this hotel
Berglandhotel ⭐⭐⭐ — Family-run hotel in Bergheim near the basilica, offering comfortable rooms and mountain views. Reserve this hotel
Stift St. Peter (pilgrim accommodation) — The Benedictine archabbey occasionally offers hospitality to pilgrims; inquire directly with the monastery.
🚗 Getting There
By Car: Maria Plain lies in Bergheim, just north of Salzburg. From Salzburg's old town, take the B156 north toward Bergheim. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes. Free parking available at the summit.
By Bus: Take bus line 6 from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Bergheim, then walk or take a taxi to the Plainberg. Alternatively, the walk from Bergheim center offers a gentle pilgrimage approach.
On Foot: The traditional pilgrimage ascends the Plainberg on foot from Salzburg—a climb of about one hour that prepares body and spirit for encounter with the sacred. Several marked paths ascend through meadows with increasingly spectacular views. The church is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM (until nightfall in winter).
📚 Further Reading
Johannes Neuhardt. Maria Plain: Geschichte und Kunst der Wallfahrt bei Salzburg — Comprehensive history of the shrine (in German).
🔗 Useful Links
Maria Plain Official — Sanctuary website with Mass times and pilgrimage information.
Erzabtei St. Peter — The Benedictine archabbey that administers Maria Plain.
Salzburg Tourism — Visitor information for Maria Plain and the Salzburg region.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Salzburg Cathedral (5 km) — The magnificent cathedral where Mozart was baptized, heart of the historic archdiocese.
Mariazell (200 km) — Austria's national Marian shrine and Central Europe's most visited pilgrimage destination.
Altötting (100 km) — Bavaria's holiest shrine with the Black Madonna chapel.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Where Mary is, there is the pentecostal breath of the Holy Spirit; there is new beginning and authentic renewal." — Pope Benedict XVI, Address at Heiligenkreuz Abbey, September 9, 2007
