2022Maria Straßengel Pilgrimage Church - Set

The Maria Straßengel pilgrimage church in Judendorf-Straßengel near Graz, visible from afar, is one of the most important sacred buildings in Austria built in High Gothic style.

This church, inspired by St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, was consecrated in 1355, and pilgrims used to flock to a chapel even before then. One of its most remarkable features is the 48-meter octagonal church tower with elaborate stonemasonry and decoration that is rich in symbolism.

This pilgrimage church is famous for two legendary sacred objects: the painting “Madonna in Ears” from around 1425, which was stolen and replaced by a copy in 1978, as well as a piece of tree root discovered in 1255, which is said to be an image of Jesus on the cross and supposedly shows no trace of woodcarving. The church’s stained-glass windows are important works of medieval stained-glass artistry and some of them date from the 14th century. This stamp features the church’s chancel area with the tower and the 14th century tympanum relief above the western portal.