Straden

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Straden: Picturesque wine village in southern Styria

Straden, an idyllic wine village in southern Styria, is known for its beautiful hilly landscape and historic churches. The town consists of four striking churches that stand on a hill and are a popular destination for pilgrims and those interested in culture. In addition to the impressive buildings, Straden offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the southern Styrian wine landscape, whether on hikes through the vineyards or tastings in the local wine taverns.

Short info:

Where is Straden? In the thermal and volcanic region of southeast Styria
What is there to see in Staden? In the small pilgrimage site there are 4 churches
How much time should I plan for? We would recommend about 1.5 hours

Straden Allgemein

Straden has just under 3,500 inhabitants, but the four churches and three church towers that characterize the pilgrimage site can be seen from afar. Straden is located at an altitude of 376 meters and is a wonderful vantage point. The priest "Henricus de Merin" was first mentioned in 1188, and the town was only later renamed Straden. It is best to park your car in one of the well-marked parking spaces, as the area inside the beautifully preserved castle wall is largely car-free. If you stroll up along the castle wall, you will inevitably reach the town. The first sight is already at the old defensive wall.

The sights

sundial on the defensive wall The sundial, dated 1521, is one of the oldest preserved sundials in Styria. In 2000, it was restored and fitted with a pole that ensures the accurate reading of mass and prayer times.

The churches

main parish church of St. Maria am Himmelsberg

This church was first mentioned in 1188. It is originally a Romanesque three-aisled structure with a Gothic nave. Of note inside the church is the miraculous image of the "Himmelsbergerin," a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary from 1520 on the main altar. The parish church's exterior is dominated by a massive five-story tower topped by an onion dome. Until 1819, the cemetery was located around the parish church. Today, this square houses the rectory garden, which features a cedar tree from the late 18th century.

Double Church of St. Sebastian and Mary of Sorrows

The double church is still integrated into the walled churchyard, which protected the inhabitants from the raids of the Haiduks and Křiš (on the outer wall there is the aforementioned sundial). Since the building was completed in 1535, the double church has retained its current appearance.

In the Sebastian Church The so-called "Stradener Flechtwerksteine" (Straden latticework stones) from the early Middle Ages, discovered during work in the rectory, are on display. The church's altarpiece depicts St. Sebastian amidst the Fourteen Holy Helpers. During the plague in the 16th century, the upper floor of St. Sebastian's Church served as a popular pilgrimage site. Directly next to the entrance to St. Sebastian's Church, steps lead down through the late Gothic arched portal of the lower church, "Our Lady of Sorrows." Underground Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. This church is very similar in size to the upper church. The round windows behind the altar were probably added when the defensive wall was built. The ceiling painting from 1913/14, which is decorated with scenes from the New Testament, deserves special attention. It is six of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, and the Seventh Sorrow, the lamentation group, is on the high altar.

Filialkirche St. Florian

This church is located at the highest point in Straden. It is a hall church from the 17th century with late baroque interior. The high altar shows St. Florian facing the flames of a burning chimney with a blessing gesture. According to legend, a knight who was able to escape from the enemy siege and jumped into the depths unharmed and thus escaped, is said to have vowed to build the church. Tip: in this church you can buy printed booklets about Straden for €3. In them you can find out everything about the churches and the town in detail.