Maria Kirchental

Pilgrimage Church Maria Kirchental
The Pilgrimage Church Maria Kirchental, also known as the Pinzgau Cathedral, lies at an elevation of 900m in the middle of the Lofer Steinberg Mountains and is part of Salzburg's most important pilgrimage sites.

Creation of the pilgrimage:
Archbishop Johann Ernst Graf von Thurn commissioned the building of a church after numerous miracles occurred in the towns. The plans stem from the important Austrian baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The church, a central building over a cross-shaped layout, was built between 1694 and 1701 under the leadership of S. Millinger.

The painting of mercy
The wooden, colourful painting of mercy is the work of an unknown artist from the first half of the 15th century. It displays the enthroned Holy Mary with Jesus as a child on her knee.

Side altar
The left side altar painting in its bright harmony of colours (dated 1719), is part of the largest and best work of the Salzburg court artists Jacopo Zanusi.

Votiv paintings collection
We would like to especially point out the comprehensive collection of Votiv paintings in the northern sacristy. With about 1200 individual pieces, it is one of the most valuable collections of its type in Austria. The paintings, from the end of the 17th up to the middle of 19th century, are undergoing basic restoration little by little.

Limited bus traffic is possible after a telephone agreement with the rector of the church.

Maria Kirchental
St. Martin near Lofer