Maria am Leech, Gothic church in Graz, Austria
Maria am Leech is a Gothic church that sits on an artificial hill in the eastern part of Graz. The building stands surrounded by residential and university structures, showcasing Gothic architectural features in its design.
The current structure began construction in 1255 by the German Order after the original Romanesque building was destroyed during a Hungarian invasion. This reconstruction marked a shift toward the Gothic style that shaped the church for centuries to come.
The church contains stained glass windows from the 14th century that show scenes from Jesus's life and images of saints. These colorful windows shape how light fills the interior and tell stories important to Christian tradition.
The church sits on an elevated artificial hill, so visitors should be prepared for some climbing when accessing the site. Opening times vary throughout the week, so it helps to check ahead before planning your visit.
Excavations between 1991 and 1994 uncovered remains of an ancient burial site from the Urnfield culture and foundation walls of a circular structure from the 11th century. These findings reveal that the location served as a burial ground thousands of years before the church itself was built.
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