Wallfahrtskirche Mariahilf, Catholic pilgrimage church on Mariahilfberg, Passau, Germany
Wallfahrtskirche Mariahilf is a baroque church with two distinctive towers rising above the Inn River and shaping Passau's skyline. Its interior impresses with elaborately designed spaces filled with rich decoration and imposing architecture that invites prayer and contemplation.
The present church was built between 1668 and 1693, replacing an earlier structure destroyed by fire in 1662. This construction followed religious renewal efforts in the region and transformed the site into an important pilgrimage destination.
The church displays a copy of Lucas Cranach's famous painting that became a symbol of hope for the Habsburgs during conflicts with Ottoman forces. Visitors today still encounter this sacred image that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Access to the church is via a covered stairway with 321 steps that winds upward from Neutorgraben street. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the climb can be tiring, but the view from above rewards the effort.
Emperor Leopold I visited this church during the 1683 siege of Vienna and prayed before the image of Mary, giving the site additional significance. This imperial connection made the pilgrimage site known throughout Europe.
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