Majka Božja Bistrička Sanctuary

Trg Ivana Pavla II., Marija Bistrica
Tel: + 385 49 469 156
Web : www.svetiste-mbb.hr

This sanctuary of the Mother of God in Bistrica has held an important central position in the religious life of the Croatian people over centuries. The pilgrimage church of Marija Bistrička is surrounded by a cinctor. The complex was renovated (1878-1883) by H. Boldić in the style of the Romanesque Historicism, combining Gothic and Baroque forms, Florence and German Renaissance, to create an exceptional architectural complex. In the church there is a votive wooden Gothic statue of Mary with the Child standing on the moon with a human head, an original artwork by a local master. The miraculous statue of the Black Mother of God, originally from the chapel on Vinski Vrh above Marija Bistrica, was walled in the parish church in Marija Bistrica because of the Turkish invasion, and rediscovered in 1684. This statue is the reason for more than three centuries of pilgrimages from the country and abroad. Beside the church the basilica with the miraculous statue, the pilgrims also visit the Calvary on the hill, with stops and valuable artwork of famous Croatian sculptors. The piety of the procession with lit candles is an unforgettable experience for every visitor. There are also other sculptures nearby, like the monument to Martin Borković, the head of the Pavlin order and bishop of Zagreb, who rediscovered and salvaged the miraculous statue of the Mother of God of Bistrica. The statue is located on the main square with the name of the Holy Father John Paul II.