Basilica of St Mary, Mariastein Abbey
Switzerland·Metzerlen-Mariastein
The Basilica of St Mary, Mariastein Abbey is a significant pilgrimage site in Switzerland, second only to Einsiedeln. It originated in the late 14th century around a legend of a miracle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a stone chapel first mentioned in 1434. The current late Gothic basilica, with a Baroque interior and classicist facade, stands over the Chapel of Grace and houses a Benedictine monastery re-established in 1648.
Key Facts
- ›Originated as a pilgrimage site in the late 14th century.
- ›First stone chapel definitely mentioned in 1434.
- ›Established as a Benedictine abbey in 1648 by relocating monks from Beinwil Abbey.
- ›Secularized and monks exiled due to the French Revolution, returning in 1802.
- ›Monks were forced to seek refuge in France and Austria in 1874 and again in 1902, returning to Mariastein in 1941.
- ›Re-established as an abbey in 1971 after a referendum.
Late Gothic, Baroque, Classicist
Benedictines
About Basilica of St Mary, Mariastein Abbey
The Basilica of St Mary, Mariastein Abbey is a prominent pilgrimage destination located in Metzerlen-Mariastein, Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. It holds the distinction of being the second most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland, following Einsiedeln. The basilica stands over the historical Chapel of Grace and is part of a Benedictine monastery.
History and Development
Mariastein's history as a pilgrimage site dates back to the late 14th century, inspired by a legend of a miracle attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The earliest documented mention of a stone chapel at the site is from 1434. The Augustinian hermits of Basel were initially responsible for the site.
In 1648, Mariastein Abbey was formally established as a Benedictine monastery. This relocation involved the remnants of the community from the failing Beinwil Abbey. The Benedictine community at Mariastein flourished, significantly enhancing the site's importance as a revived monastic community and a center for pilgrimage.
The abbey experienced periods of disruption due to political events. Following the French Revolution, it was secularized, and the monks were forced into exile starting in 1791. The monastery was plundered by French troops in 1798, and the monks were only permitted to return and re-establish the abbey in 1802.
Further challenges arose from conflicts between the state and the Roman Catholic Church, compelling the monks to seek refuge again in 1874, initially in France. Expulsion from France in 1902 led to temporary stays in Austria before they eventually returned to Mariastein in 1941, granted asylum during the Nazi era. A referendum in 1970 paved the way for the official re-establishment of the abbey on June 21, 1971.
Architecture
The basilica itself is a late Gothic, three-aisled structure built over the Chapel of Grace. Its interior is characterized by Baroque ornamentation, while the entrance facade presents a classicist design.
Religious Affiliation
Since 1647, the abbey has been a member of the Swiss Congregation, which is now part of the wider Benedictine Confederation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Mariastein Abbey?
Mariastein originated as a pilgrimage site in the late 14th century. A Benedictine abbey was established here in 1648. The abbey faced secularization and exile due to the French Revolution and later legal changes in France, with monks returning permanently in 1941 and the abbey officially re-established in 1971.
What is the architectural style of the basilica?
The basilica features a late Gothic structure built over the Chapel of Grace. Its interior is decorated in the Baroque style, while the entrance facade is classicist.
What is the religious importance of Mariastein Abbey?
Mariastein Abbey is the second most important place of pilgrimage in Switzerland, after Einsiedeln. It is home to a Benedictine monastery and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Has the abbey always been in Switzerland?
The abbey has faced periods of exile. Monks sought refuge in France and Austria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before returning to Mariastein in 1941.
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