Maria Lebing, Gothic church in Hartberg, Austria
Maria Lebing is a Gothic church in Hartberg featuring a baroque high altar that spans the entire choir area, along with side altars and an organ. The interior displays a unified work of religious art from different periods, with the altar drawing attention.
The church was founded in 1409 on a Roman burial ground and later underwent expansions, including the addition of a plague chapel in 1682. The interior was reshaped in 1744 and remains characteristic of the building today.
The church displays frescoes depicting scenes from Mary's life, painted by Joseph Adam Ritter von Mölk in 1770, which shape the interior walls. These images tell religious stories and form part of what visitors see when walking through the space.
The site is accessible by car and has electric vehicle charging stations nearby. Visitors should be aware that the church may have varying opening times depending on services and events.
Local tradition holds that in 1532 Turkish invaders tried to loot the church but fled upon seeing the Madonna statue. Visitors often view the statue as a symbol of local resilience.
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