Even at a distance, the radiant white castle church at Mariastein greets pilgrims making the pilgrimage to the famous “Gothic Madonna”. On a cliff-top in Mariastein in the holiday region of Hohe Salve in the Tyrol’s Lower Inn Valley, it points to heavenly heights with its mighty tower. You don’t have to climb far to reach the wonderful Madonna effigy. The only things to overcome are the 150 steps. But it’s worth the effort. The richly decorated Chapel of Mercy and the atmosphere of devotion around the Madonna effigy bath this place of reflection in a special light.

Tyrolean state insignias
The castle church at Mariastein was built in the mid-14th century by the wealthy noble family of the Freundsbergers, and elevated to the status of pilgrimage church in the 18th century. Since then numerous people have made the pilgrimage there to ask for the mercy of the Mother of God, the “Maria am Stein”. For families with children and for everyone seeking peace and the enjoyment of nature and culture away from everyday life, Mariastein is a destination well worth visiting.
A visit to the castle museum of the church is an absolute must. There, shining examples of Tyrolean history can be viewed in wonderment: the “Tyrolean state insignias” with archduke’s crown and sceptre, donated by former state prince Maximilian.