Our Lady of Mariazell

For over 850 years, this statue of the Virgin Mary has been venerated: as MAGNA MATER AUSTRIAE (Great Mother of Austria), as MAGNA HUNGARORUM DOMINA (Great Lady of the Hungarians), and as MATER GENTIUM SLAVORUM (Merciful Mother of the Slavic Peoples). According to tradition, Mariazell was “founded” in 1157.

The original Madonna of Mariazell is 49 cm tall and carved from linden wood. The Child holds an apple, and with His left hand, He reaches for a fruit offered by Mary. The two fruits are symbols of redemption from original sin. Since the 16th century, it has been customary to adorn miraculous images with precious embroidered garments. The miraculous statue is seen without the so-called "Our Lady’s dress" only on two days of the year: on Mariazell’s founding day, December 21, and on the feast of the basilica's patron saint, the Nativity of Mary, on September 8.

Carved in MAPLE WOOD up to 30 cm in height
Carved in LINDEN WOOD from 37 cm and larger
(Sculpture with flat back)