Advent Market Mariazell

You don’t have to lose much words about this town as it is very well known, even far beyond the borders of Austria – Mariazell. The municipality Mariazell with its 4.000 inhabitants is located near the state border of Styria and Lower Austria and it’s the most important and well known pilgrimage place of Austria.

The town center is dominated by the widely visible, Gothic basilica Mariä Geburt from the 14th century, which hosts the Gnadenstatue (Statue of Grace) Magna Mater Austriae. This statue is a small, wooden statue of the Virgin Mary from the 13th century which plays an important role for a lot of Catholics.

Every year numerous national and international pilgrim paths lead thousands of believer to Mariazell. Every year, during Advent season, the main square of Mariazell is transformed into Austiras largest traditional Advent market. All around the big Advent wreath (with its 12 m diameter) you’ll find handicraft, regional culinary delights as well as readings, Advent concerts, torch-lit hikes and much, much more …

Shooting date: December 1, 2017