Mariahilfer Church

The Mariahilf Church (Mariahilfkirche) in Graz, the capital of Styria, is a pilgrimage church. It has been serving as the parish church of Graz-Mariahilf since 1783, within the deanery of Graz-Mitte.The Graz Minorite Monastery is located adjacent to the church.

In the 13th century, a group of brothers from the Franciscan order, also known as the “Order of minor brothers,” established themselves in Graz. This order was originally founded by Francis of Assisi in 1210. They chose the location where the Franciscan monastery stands today.In 1517, the parent order of Franciscans split into two groups due to a dispute over poverty. These groups are known as conventuals (Ordo fratrum minorum conventualium, OFMConv, also referred to as “Minorites” today) and observants (Ordo fratrum minorum, OFM, also known as “Franciscans” today). As a result of this split, the monastery also fell under the control of these two groups.

After the minorities were forced to leave the area due to their refusal to comply with the new rule, they struggled to survive in difficult circumstances for a period of time.The most recent form of assistance came in the form of a donation from Prince Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg, who generously funded the construction of a new monastery for them. Additionally, it appears that Archduke Ferdinand of Inner Austria, who later became Emperor Ferdinand II, also provided support for the project. However, the exact amount of his contribution is uncertain, and it is possible that he did not contribute anything, as he had already sought financial assistance from Eggenberger for the construction of the Catherine Chapel.The monastery and church were built at Mariahilfer Platz, which is located in the present-day district of Lend.The 1607 building, designed by the baroque architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, who was a pupil of Tintoretto, was fully completed in 1611.According to the document, it was not until 1627 that the facade was received. The facade, with its triangular gables and classic temple front, was heavily influenced by Palladio and the architecture of Lombardy.

The appearance likely fell out of fashion within the next century. This was because Josef Hueber was commissioned to remodel the church between 1742 and 1744.He was specifically asked to provide plans for constructing two bell towers and a porch in front of them.The towers are characterized by their impressive spires, which are adorned with beautifully crafted onion-shaped roofs and topped with domed lanterns.The sandstone figures on the façade were created by Philipp Jakob Straub between 1740 and 1744.The niches between the columns feature figures of Saints Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony of Padua. Above the central portal, there is a miraculous image of Mariahilf surrounded by adoring angels, dating back to 1740. Additionally, statues of the archangels Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael can be seen above the triangular gable, depicting them casting the devil into the depths.

In 1881, the previous pendentive dome located above the presbytery was taken down. Additionally, the stucco decoration and the ceiling frescoes by Josef Adam Mölk were also removed.Heinrich Schwach created the secco paintings in the central nave during the last quarter of the 19th century. These paintings include the Annunciation to Mary, the Nativity, Christ Carrying the Cross, and the Coronation of Mary.

The opulent baroque furnishings were greatly destroyed.The high altar, believed to have been constructed around 1769, features an exceptionally remarkable Mariahilf miraculous image. This depiction of Mary is widely revered and considered one of the most beloved representations of her in the region of Styria.Johannes Pietro de Pomis created and signed it in the year 1611.The frame of the object is superb, featuring intricate rocaille ornamentation. It was crafted by Anton Römer in 1769. Additionally, there is a stunning silver tabernacle, designed by Veit Königer in 1773.

The sacristy, which was constructed in 1636/37, features remarkable Régence vault stucco work that is attributed to Johann Cajetan Androy.The Bonaventure Chapel, also known as the former imperial baptistery, was constructed between 1635 and 1640.The vault stucco in the auricular style was created by Mattia Camin in 1640.The altar is constructed from stucco marble.The altarpiece that portrays Saint Bonaventure was created in 1778 by Philipp Carl Laubmann.The baptismal font from the 17th century is a beautiful example of the baroque style.The crypt of the Triebenegg family is located in front of it.

The cloister of the early Baroque Minorite monastery building (1607-1636) is located to the south of the church. Adjacent to it is the treasury chapel (1769-1771).The pilgrims had the opportunity to place votive offerings in it, but unfortunately, none of these offerings have been preserved.The facility was built during the construction period.The ceiling fresco and secco paintings, which portray the history of pilgrimages, were created by Joseph Adam von Mölck in 1773. The Mariahilf miraculous image on the altar, dating back to the third quarter of the 18th century, is believed to have been created by Joseph Adam von Mölck.

A grand staircase guides visitors through a spacious courtyard to the former summer refectory, also known as the Minorite Hall. This exquisite baroque room is considered one of the most stunning secular spaces in Graz.The donation of the building was made by Johann Seyfried von Eggenberg. Construction began in 1691 under the supervision of Joachim Carlone. However, the interior decoration was not finished until 1732.The Minorite Hall underwent a six-year renovation project, costing approximately six million euros, which was completed by 2022.

In 2005, the central larch post of a tower experienced a buckle or breakage.The aureole, pommel, and a section of the copper-covered spire fell onto the forecourt, fortunately without causing any injuries.Once the aureole was carefully removed from the second tower using a mobile crane, the roofs of both towers underwent renovations. The gilded aureoles, bearing the inscription “MARIA,” were then reinstalled on the iron rod and aligned parallel to the main portal of the church.After a few weeks, wind vortices caused one wreath to twist, and a few months later, the second wreath experienced the same fate.During the fundraising campaign, we distributed octagonal pole discs that were approximately 4 cm thick and painted with the outline of the church front.The post is approximately twice the diameter of the 23 cm piece.

The Mariahilferkirche, both its interior and exterior, underwent significant restoration work between 2010 and 2020. The adjacent Minorite monastery was also restored during this period.The colonnade has been repaired, and the floor beneath the ballroom has been redesigned to serve as a guest room.

On September 29, 2019, a set of twelve bells, cast by Perner in Passau in the same year, were unveiled for a new carillon at the Mariensäule on Lendplatz, coinciding with Thanksgiving Sunday.

The monastery buildings are currently inhabited by Minorite brothers.The Kulturzentrum bei den Minoriten is also located there, where it hosts a variety of events including music, literature, and visual arts.

Furthermore, the treasury chapel of the monastery serves as a venue for various religious services. These include services conducted by the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic community, the Rom-United community, and the Russian-Orthodox parish of Maria Schutz in Graz. This arrangement fosters an ecumenical spirit and promotes inclusivity.