Mariastein, Tyrol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mariastein
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Location within Kufstein district
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 Mariastein
Location in Austria
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| Country | Austria | |
| State | Tyrol | |
| District | Kufstein | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.37 km2 (0.92 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 575 m (1,886 ft) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
6324
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| Area code | 05332 | |
| Vehicle registration | KU | |
| Website | www.mariastein.gv.at | |
Mariastein is the smallest town in the Kufstein area of Tyrol, Austria. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Wörgl. It is also about 11.5 kilometers (7 miles) southwest of Kufstein. Mariastein has been a special place for pilgrimage (a religious journey) since the 1400s. It became even more famous after a story about a statue of Mary. People say the statue returned to the church in Mariastein by itself. This happened after it had been moved to Bavaria in the late 1600s.
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The Mariastein Castle
At the very center of Mariastein is a tall castle. It is called a Wohnturm, which means a living tower. This castle was built in the 1300s. It stands on top of a rocky hill. The tower is 42 meters (138 feet) high. To reach the top, you need to climb 250 stairs! Today, the castle holds several small chapels (small churches). It also has a museum where you can learn about its history.
Mariastein's History
Mariastein has a long and interesting history. It was first mentioned in old records around the year 1312. The castle was built to protect the area. Over time, it became more than just a fort. It grew into a place of religious importance. Many people visited Mariastein to see the special statue of Mary. This made the town well-known.
The Pilgrimage Site
The main reason Mariastein became famous was its role as a pilgrimage site. People believed that the statue of Mary in the castle had special powers. They would travel from far away to pray and ask for blessings. This tradition continues even today. The castle's chapels are still used for religious services.
Life in Mariastein
Mariastein is a very small community. It has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature. Visitors can enjoy the lovely views of the Tyrol region. The local government helps to keep the town running smoothly. The mayor, Dieter Martinz, leads the community.
Local Government
Like other towns in Austria, Mariastein has a local government. This government helps manage the town's services. These services include things like roads and public areas. The mayor is in charge of these daily tasks. They work to make sure Mariastein is a good place to live and visit.
