Wilten Basilica, Innsbruck

Not quite as colourful as the Collegiate Church opposite, the grand Wilten Basilica is still an impressive sight out here on the edge of Innsbruck. This is actually Wilten's parish church, as well as a long standing place of pilgrimage. It is said that even Roman Legionnaires came to the church because of the fame of the Madonna painting inside. The first church was built around 1259, and had large numbers of pilgrims visiting it. It fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in its current state between 1751 and 1756.

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This is one of Innsbruck's most impressive churches and probably one of it's largest. There has been a church here since the 13th century, but apparently by the mid-18th century it was getting a bit dilapidated and so was replaced by this butter yellow baroque edifice. It's a great place to see and during the summer there are sometimes free classical music concerts inside (donations very much encouraged). The sandstone statue of the virgin Mary on the high alter has apparently been a draw to pilgrims since the middle ages (so presumably to the old church as well as the current one?)

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I loved Innsbruck, Austria. It was hands down the most amazing place I visited while I lived in Northern, Germany for 3 years!!!! My favorite place there was the Wilton Church; to sit and commune with yourself while enjoying the serenity of the beauty withing the church-it' inspiring! There is this amazing sense of being insignificant in the grand scheme things and yet, you feel so blessed to be able to have experience true beauty from many lifetimes ago..............AMAZING and life altering!!!!!

One of the finest Baroque churches in Central Europe, Wilten Abbey has been attracting pilgrims ever since its construction in the 17th century. I love the way the twin towers stand out against the backdrop of the mountain ridge just to the north of the city.

This church is located next to where we lived (close to Bergisel) and it is said to be the most beautiful rococo church of Tyrol. The full name of the church is "Basilika Unsere Liebe Frau unter den vier Säulen".

The beautiful city of Innsbruck behind me. Can you spot the majestic Wilten Basilica in the distance??

What a day to choose to come here huh? Well, it had been drizzling in Innsbruck the WHOLE day so... we really had no choice.

Wealth and Power as tools for appreciating the Divine. . . The Lord as King. . . The Crown which hangs over the altar as a powerful metaphor of the "sacrality" of this worship space. . .

This old cathedral with it's baroque front was renovated and enlarged in 1751 - 1756 by Franz de Paula Penz.

Inside this beautiful Basilika. A very splendid high altar with 4 columns.
Take also a look at the colorful ceiling, made by M. Guenther from Augsburg.

After our Bergisel visit we did a short stop in one really nice Basilica: Wilten Basilica. Their yellow and white colours next with its wonderful paintings inside did a memorable minutes.