The building history, sacred art and pilgrimage traditions offer several ways to plan a trip to Maria Dreieichen. The pilgrimage church stands above the Horner Basin, on the heights of the Manhartsberg. You can focus on the church’s architecture and furnishings, or explore the sacred sites and stories about routes in Maria Dreieichen.

Pilgrimage Church: Building History and Furnishings

The pilgrimage church of Maria Dreieichen has two towers. Construction of the present church began in 1744; the towers were completed in 1818. The church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1957. These dates mark different stages in its development: the start of the present building, the completion of the towers and the later ecclesiastical distinction.

The furnishings also offer different ways to explore the church’s history. The organ was made by Viennese master Anton Pfliegler; its old instrument, dating from 1789, is still preserved. The altarpieces were created by Thomas Friedrich Gedon, Bergl and the Kremser Schmidt. Behind the high altar, you can also still see the blackened trunks of the “Three Oaks.” Musical heritage, painting and a distinctive detail behind the altar are thus brought together.

Treasury, Bründl and Grasel Cave

The treasury of the pilgrimage church displays votive paintings and offerings from pilgrims dating from the late 18th century onwards. The paintings and offerings give the pilgrimage tradition a tangible form. The treasury is currently inaccessible due to renovation work and water damage. Check access again before your trip.

The nearby Bründl Chapel contains a relief of the miraculous image of Maria Dreieichen. There, the miraculous image appears as a relief, while the pilgrimage church foregrounds its building history, organ and altarpieces. The two sacred sites thus offer different themes for exploring Maria Dreieichen.

The Maria Dreieichner Grasel Cave lies at the end of the path to the Marienbründl. According to local tradition, the Grasel caves near the spring served as hideouts for the bandit chief Grasel. Here, the cave’s location along the path and a local story take centre stage: the connection with Grasel is explicitly part of the tradition.

Circular Route and Historic Pilgrimage Route

There are two different ways to explore routes. The municipal circular route starts at the car park in Maria Dreieichen. The historic pilgrimage route from Znaim to Maria Dreieichen has connected South Moravia with the Weinviertel and Waldviertel since the 17th century. For the circular route, the starting point in the village is the specific reference; for the pilgrimage route, the focus is on its history and the link between the regions. The routes therefore differ not only in name, but also in the perspective they offer on Maria Dreieichen.

Those especially interested in church architecture, the organ and altarpieces will have a different focus from those more interested in pilgrimage traditions, the cave and the history of the routes. The choice of holiday apartment can therefore reflect your travel interests rather than a generic list of attractions.

Discover more destinations: Langau, Klein-Reinprechtsdorf, Straning-Grafenberg, Röschitz, Messern, Horn, Sigmundsherberg, Geras

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