Maria Plain

Description:

• Maria Plain, perched high on a hilltop 5 km north of Salzburg, is a pilgrimage church housing an image of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus thought to have been saved miraculously from a fire. Commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Max Gandolf Kuenberg, it was built by Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Dario between 1671 and 1674. Its façade is dominated by twin towers decorated with the four evangelists and, over the towers, the Virgin Mary and Child. Its rich interior is decorated in sumptuous Baroque style. The reputed miraculous picture hangs over the altar. In the back of the sanctuary, four wooden panels (two on each of the walls at the end of the aisles), painted in charming naïve style, depict the history of the painting and the building of the church. Life-size stations of the cross are set into the hillside in front of the church. And the views of Salzburg and surrounding country are breathtaking, easily worth a visit alone. A gasthaus serves light meals and drinks – it makes a great place to relax and enjoy the sun while taking in the stunning views.
• © NileGuide2013