Pöstlingbergkirche (Postlingberg Church), Linz

Perched high above the rooftops of Linz, the Postlingberg Church (Pöstlingbergkirche) is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for travelers to Upper Austria’s capital. This Baroque Roman Catholic pilgrimage church, dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, offers not only spiritual significance but also a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the Danube below. Just a short stroll from the Postlingberg Railway stop, the church combines centuries of history with a serene, elevated setting that makes it especially popular for weddings and special occasions.

Construction of the church began in 1742 and was completed in 1748, following the plans of Johann Matthias Krinner, with later contributions by his son Franz Xaver Krinner. The pilgrimage tradition dates back to 1716, when a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary as Mater Dolorosa was placed on the Postlingberg, attracting growing numbers of pilgrims. In 1964, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of “basilica minor,” underscoring its spiritual importance.

The church has withstood several fires over the centuries, with its roof most recently renewed in 1963. Visitors can admire its distinctive façade, side walls inspired by the Muhlviertel “Steinbloß” style, and the newly designed organ, completed in 2023 with contributions by renowned artist VALIE EXPORT. The inscription on the organ, “Who understands has wings,” reflects the church’s blend of faith and intellectual reflection. Celebrated each year on September 15, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows continues to draw pilgrims and visitors alike to this remarkable site.