Kalvarienberg Graz

The Graz Calvary (Kalvarienberg Graz), which was built in the 17th century, can be found on Austein near the Mur River in the Lend district of Graz.At the top of the rocky peak, there is a group depicting the crucifixion, consisting of three crosses and several chapels.

Located at the base of the rock, you will find the Calvary Church of the Holy Cross, which was built later in the high-baroque style. Adjacent to the church are the Holy Stairs and an Ecce-Homo stage. Next to these structures, there is the vicarage and a long, narrow Calvary cemetery.The Way of the Cross, consisting of 14 stations leading to Calvary, is no longer in existence.The seven stations along the procession route from the city center to the former Calvary Church, which predated the construction of the complex on Austein, are still intact.

The Graz Calvary was the first replica of the Golgota, the Crucifixion Hill in Jerusalem, and its surrounding structures that depicted the crucifixion of Christ. It was created within the Habsburg hereditary lands.Until the 18th century, it was under the patronage of the Jesuit order.Since its inception, the Graz Calvary has been a popular destination for pilgrimages and processions.

Apart from the crucifixion group, the Calvary complex features several chapels that were generously donated by the Jesuits, affluent citizens, and Emperor Leopold I.On October 4, 1680, the Emperor visited the Graz Calvary.

All chapels are easily accessible and feature a round arch stone portal adorned with wrought iron gates from the baroque period.The majority of them were constructed in the 17th century, while a few were built during the 19th century.The triangular gables of the chapels contain reliefs that depict the instruments of the Passion, also known as the Arma Christi in Latin, which symbolize Christ’s battle against sin during his Passion.The baroque figures, which are predominantly large in size, have undergone multiple revisions throughout their existence.The sculptor Jakob Gschiel dedicated his efforts to the creation of the Graz Calvary between 1873 and 1895.

The crucifixion group has been located at the highest point of Calvary since the beginning of the Austein’s development up until the present day in Graz Calvary.The group is comprised of three crosses.In the center is a depiction of Jesus, flanked by two criminals who were crucified alongside him on Calvary.The crosses with the figures are heavily exposed to the weather due to their location.That is why they needed to be renewed repeatedly throughout time.The cross that exists today has a body made of gilded copper.In 1775, he was possessed by Karl Elssner after being struck by lightning.Originally, the cross was intended to be placed on the upper Mur Bridge, which is now known as the Kepler Bridge.The phrase “Fulmen deiecit, Congregatio reparavit” is inscribed on the back of the pedestal. It can be translated to mean “the lightning knocked it down, the congregation raised it up again.”

Beneath the cross, there are three sandstone statues crafted by Jakob Schoy. On the right side stands the statue of the Virgin Mary, while on the left side is the statue of John, who was Jesus’ favorite disciple. At the feet of Jesus, there is a statue of Mary Magdalene.The figures from the Baroque period have undergone multiple revisions.The wooden sculptures depicting the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus originate from the workshop of the renowned sculptor Jakob Gschiel.They were established in the year 1880.Despite all the changes, the overall composition still corresponds to the original composition from its time of origin.