Maria Dreieichen: Pilgrimage Basilica and Pilgrim Path

Maria Dreieichen brings together connections to pilgrimage, church art and a variety of routes. The pilgrimage church, its furnishings, the votive offerings and the traditions surrounding the Marienbründl each offer a different perspective. When planning a stay, it is worth distinguishing the history of the building and its art from the various routes associated with the site.

Pilgrimage Basilica: Architecture and Furnishings

The pilgrimage church of Maria Dreieichen has two towers and stands above the Horner Basin, on the heights of the Manhartsberg. In 1957, it was elevated to the status of a papal Basilica minor. Construction of the present church began in 1744; the towers were completed in 1818. These details mark different milestones: the start of the present building, the completion of its towers and its later elevation to Basilica minor.

The furnishings can also be understood through specific works of art. The altarpieces are by Thomas Friedrich Gedon, Bergl and the Kremser Schmidt. The organ was made by the Viennese master Anton Pfliegler; its old instrument, dating from 1789, is still preserved. Behind the high altar, you can see the blackened trunks of the “Dreieichen” (Three Oaks). The church thus brings together works of art, a historic organ instrument and a detail specific to the site.

When considering the chronology, it is important not to confuse the organ instrument with the church building: 1789 dates the preserved old instrument, while 1744 and 1818 refer to the start of the present church building and the completion of its towers, respectively. The dates therefore mark different points of reference in architectural and art history.

Votive Offerings and the Bründl Chapel

The treasury displays votive paintings and offerings from pilgrims dating from the late 18th century onward. These objects add another dimension to the pilgrimage: alongside the church’s architecture and furnishings are items associated with the pilgrims. In September 2026, the treasury was inaccessible due to renovation work and water damage. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

The nearby Bründl Chapel houses a relief depicting the miraculous image of Maria Dreieichen. Together with the votive offerings, it points to different religious connections: the offerings made by pilgrims on the one hand, and the miraculous image in the relief on the other.

Pilgrim Path, Circular Walk and Local Tradition

Since the 17th century, the historic pilgrim path from Znaim to Maria Dreieichen has connected South Moravia with the Weinviertel and Waldviertel regions. It places Maria Dreieichen within a historic link between these regions. The municipal circular walk starts at the car park in Maria Dreieichen. These two route details answer different planning questions: the pilgrim path provides a historic and regional connection, while the starting point of the municipal circular walk locates that walk in Maria Dreieichen.

The Maria Dreieichner Graselhöhle is at the end of the path to the Marienbründl. According to local tradition, the Grasel caves near the spring served as hiding places for the robber chief Grasel. This brings together a specific detail about the path and location with a story explicitly identified as local tradition.

Discover more destinations: Klein-Reinprechtsdorf, Horn, Messern, Röschitz, Eggenburg, Langau, Straning-Grafenberg, Sigmundsherberg

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