Maria Rehkogel, Frauenberg, Gothic pilgrimage church in Sankt Marein im Mürztal, Austria.
The Maria Rehkogel church sits on a ridge in the Fischbach Alps and features a late Gothic nave with side chapels and a western tower. The building combines Gothic structural elements with later artistic additions into a cohesive whole.
A first chapel was built in 1354, followed by construction of the main church between 1489 and 1496 under direction of a stonemason from Praunau. This building phase marked the transition from a small chapel to a larger place of worship with Gothic features.
The pulpit, carved in 1773 by Jakob Peyer, carries figures of the Christian virtues, and the same sculptor made the oratory window in the choir. Late works by Veit Königer fill the interior, and the organ in its Rococo case was built between 1774 and 1775 by Anton Josef Römer. A bell cast by Martin Hilger in 1581 survives.
The church functions as an active parish within the Diocese of Graz-Seckau with regular services and pastoral care available. Visitors should inquire about opening hours to fully experience the interior details and artistic works.
The founding legend exists in two versions: one says a fleeing deer hid in a tree, where a Vesperbild was found in a hollow; the other says three farmers found the image beside a grazing deer. The wooden grace image of 1354 shows the deer and the three farmers at Mary's feet.
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