The Franciscan Church is one of the important sights of Maribor. It enriches this city with its appearance and history. And while visiting the old city center, you will notice a building of a specific red color. Franciscan church with a monastery. The Franciscan church was first a monastery built in the 12th century, and the cathedral itself was built with two towers between 1892 and 1900. The Viennese architect who designed the church is Richard Jordan, and the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary, Mother of Mercy.
This magnificent basilica is located next to important streets, such as Partizanske ceste, Škofe Street and Vita Kraigherja Street 2. It was built in a neo-Roman style. The main entrance faces east, in the direction of the suburbs, while the main altar is to the west. Most churches have a different schedule. The main altar is made of 17 different types of marble, gilded bronze, brass and crystal. Really impressive. There is a statue of Mary dating from the 18th century. It is believed that many prayers were answered here, so it is called the Mother of Mercy - the basilica was named after the mentioned statue. The inscription on the altar is Hail Mother of Mercy, that is, Hail Mother of God.
During the year 1746, the statue was in a bad condition and a decision was made to give the artist Wigelsfols to complete the restoration, i.e. the restoration of the statue. The painter's wife was sick at that time, and she struggled with the disease for a very long time. When the statue was in their home, the painter's wife recovered and that's when people began to attribute the power of the statue, they began to believe in miracles.
For a year, the statue was in Lipnica in the chapel in Freibichl. Many wishes were granted, and the statue was returned to Maribor in 1747. The crown on the head of the statue of Mary is a symbol of dignity in Christian art. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the church was covered in frescoes, and after the Second World War, the Franciscans painted it white. The frescoes were not preserved, only one small part remained. During the Second World War, all the stained glass windows were destroyed, except for the rosette on the north side of the church. But after 1960, dreams were made.
The church is open on Sundays from 07:30 to 07:30, on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 18:00 and on other days from 07:15 to 19:30.
Autor of the article:
Bojana Pantić - correspondent for the city of Maribor
