The Calvary in Maria Lanzendorf is one of the numerous replicas of the Golgotha hill of Jerusalem, built in the Baroque period in the immediate vicinity of the "Church on the Heath".
The Franciscan lay brother Felix Niering, Bogner (vault builder) and living in the adjoining Franciscan monastery, set after a study trip to the Holy Land the first "foundation stone" for this artificial mountain in 1699. With the help of his brother and his companions, as well as a well thought-out construction concept, he managed in the years 1699 - 1701 this fantastic and easily walkable installation to depict the scenes of Jesus' Passion.
It is probably due to his skills and inspiration that this architecturally unique Way of the Cross can be found in Maria Lanzendorf. In numerous niches and caves, life-size wooden figures depict the Passion story of Jesus. The Lord's Supper, Herod's, Resurrection and Grave Chapel, as well as the House of Caiaphas (large cave in the interior of the mountain) complete the processional path, and stone angel statues on the external stairs lead the pilgrim to the highest point, the Crucifixion scene.
The replica of the Holy Stairs, over which Christ had been led up to the palace of Pilate, was added in 1709 and has also been climbed in this country exclusively on their knees by the praying pilgrims. These pilgrims also included members of the imperial family, such as the Empress Dowager Eleonore. [...]
The sense of Calvary was almost lost in the Enlightenment (1770-1830). Wars, vandalism, weather damage and groundwater made restorations necessary again and again.
In 1997, the "Initiative for the Salvation of the Calvary Mountain" was formed with the aim to accomplish a general renovation of the building. On September 9, 2001, the renovated 300-year-old Calvary was solemnly inaugurated.
YOUR DEATH, OH LORD, WE TELL YOU AND YOUR RESURRECTION AWARD WE, UNTIL YOU COME IN GLADNESS.
Not mentioned are the bronze plates, which indicate stations numbered with Roman numerals with the respective designations. Once at the top you have a nice view, but you should be careful when climbing, because there are no high railings.