Photo: Tourismusverband Oststeiermark · Bernhard Bergmann

Wallfahrtskirche Maria Lebing

Hartberg, Styria

Allegedly, a church was built around the year 1409, which was expanded over time. During the Turkish invasions, the church was repeatedly at great risk of destruction, and the Haiducken and Kuruzzen also passed by the church outside the Hartberg city walls during their raids. According to a legend, in 1704, during the Kuruzzen invasion, they broke into the church and tried to drag the miraculous statue from the altar. At that moment, the Madonna is said to have moved and inclined herself against the villains. They are said to have been so frightened that they left the house of God amid wild shouts. During the Reformation, the church fell into neglect, but by 1617, it was already reported to be in excellent condition again, which was also made possible by the support of the Habsburgs. As a Catholic ruling family, they promoted Marian devotion to strengthen the Catholic Church. About 150 years later, the Habsburg ruling family almost brought the church Maria Lebing to ruin: in the course of numerous reforms by their son and successor Maria Theresa, Joseph II., in 1773, all pilgrimages were banned with few exceptions, such as Mariazell. In 1788, there was even consideration to close the Lebing church. Only through the efforts of spiritual and secular authorities was the church preserved. Until the 19th century, Maria Lebing was the favorite pilgrimage site of the surrounding area; today, mainly funeral masses are celebrated in the church due to its proximity to the cemetery. The original Gothic style of the church is only recognizable from its external appearance. Inside, it was Baroquized in the 18th century and today houses, among other things, frescoes by Josef Adam von Mölk, a Baroque high altar, and the pulpit by the Graz sculptor Mathias Leitner. Take advantage of the opportunity and travel by public transport: RegioBus and trains at www.verbundlinie.at Oststeiermark collection taxi stop number: HF6024 Schildbach - Hofer Markt, booking hotline +43 50 36 37 38 or www.oststeiermark.at/sam If you want to combine your visit with an overnight stay – here you can find rental options in the region.