Perhaps Saint Luke once preached here. Legends say that it happened around 70 AD in Maria Lanzendorf. Today, we stand before a place steeped in history and faith. This is the parish and pilgrimage church of the Pietà in Maria Lanzendorf. It is a site that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Maria Lanzendorf boasts a rich past. Its story intertwines with legends and documented history. While tales speak of St. Luke and Roman soldiers, historical records mention a chapel here as early as 1145. This chapel was known as “Kirche Maria auf der Heyd”.
The church you see today emerged between 1699 and 1703. Habsburg Emperor Leopold I and his wife, Eleonore Magdalena Theresia, supported its construction. The presbyterium was added later, between 1728 and 1731. The older chapel was integrated into the baroque church. It became the Chapel of Mercy.
Inside Maria Lanzendorf’s church are artistic treasures. Admire the works of Matthias Steinl, Johann Michael Rottmayr, and the Franciscan brother Vogel. The Chapel of Mercy holds a statue of the Pietà by Anton Fiechtl. It dates back to around 1700.
The monastery near Maria Lanzendorf was built between 1698 and 1707. Franciscans occupied it until 1990. Now the Archdiocese of Vienna owns it. Nearby, find the Kalvarienberg. Felix Niering created this artificial hill between 1699 and 1709. It depicts Christ’s Passion, death, and resurrection.
Maria Lanzendorf is more than just a church. It connects two villages, Maria Lanzendorf and Lanzendorf. The parish existed before 1395. Since 1784, the parish has remained in its current form. Today, it serves over 2,200 Catholics. The church was given to the care of a community by the archdiocese of Vienna, represented by the archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Dr. Christoph Schönborn, in 2006. Since the beginning of 2007, Maria Lanzendorf is administered by P. Michele Pezzini.
Beyond the church, Maria Lanzendorf offers more to discover. The Wiener Neustädter Kanal flows through the area. The Petersbach stream joins the Schwechat River here. The Kalvarienberg is a beautiful and unique site. It began construction in 1699 and finished eight years later. Grottos and caves along spiraling stairs depict Christ’s Passion. Next to it is the Heilig-Grab-Kapelle. It dates back to around 1700. It was transformed into a war memorial. Maria Lanzendorf was once part of the Roman province of Pannonia.
Maria Lanzendorf offers a journey through time. From ancient legends to baroque splendor. Maria Lanzendorf stands as a testament to faith, art, and history. As we leave this place, remember the stories and the beauty that Maria Lanzendorf holds.