Große Basilika: A Stone Sanctuary in Waidhofen an der Thaya

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Discover the Große Basilika near Waidhofen an der Thaya: a monumental land art sculpture blending nature and culture in Austria's Waldviertel.

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Große Basilika

The Große Basilika, or Great Basilica, is a land art installation near Waidhofen an der Thaya, Lower Austria. Created by Austrian sculptor Franz Xaver Ölzant in 1994, it features 97 diorite boulders arranged in a semi-circular formation, mirroring the town's church architecture and inviting contemplation.

A brief summary to Große Basilika

Basilika 1, Waidhofen an der Thaya, 3830, AT
Click to display

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late evening for the best light and shadow effects on the stones.
Take some time to sit on the meditation stones and reflect on the surrounding nature.
Combine your visit with a picnic in the shade of the large boulders.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Schloss Schwarzenau

Schloss Schwarzenau: A Renaissance Jewel in Lower Austria

Naturpark Heidenreichsteiner Moor

Naturpark Heidenreichsteiner Moor: A Walk Through Ancient Peatlands

Burg Heidenreichstein

Burg Heidenreichstein: Austria's Medieval Water Fortress

Getting There

Walking

From the Hauptplatz (main square) in Waidhofen an der Thaya, walk along Ziegengeiststraße, passing the Waldrapp aviary. After approximately 100 meters, turn left onto Vestenöttingerstraße. Shortly before the bypass road, turn right onto the side road. The sculpture group will be reached after a short time. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

The central bus station in Waidhofen an der Thaya is located in Gymnasiumstraße. From there, take a bus to a stop closer to the Basilika, such as Waidhofen/Thaya Ziegengeiststr. (check local schedules for the most convenient line). From the bus stop, follow Ziegengeiststraße and then Vestenöttingerstraße as described in the walking directions. A single bus fare within Waidhofen an der Thaya is approximately €2-3.
Driving

From the center of Waidhofen, follow Ziegengeiststraße. Turn left onto Vestenöttingerstraße, and then turn right onto the side road before the bypass. Limited free parking is available near the site. Alternatively, park in Waidhofen and walk (see walking directions). Parking in designated short-term parking zones in Waidhofen is free for the first 120 minutes on weekdays (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00) and Saturdays (8:00 to 12:00), requiring a parking disc to indicate arrival time.

Discover more about Große Basilika

Located just outside Waidhofen an der Thaya, in Lower Austria's Waldviertel region, the Große Basilika is a captivating land art installation. This monumental sculpture, created by Austrian sculptor Franz Xaver Ölzant, invites visitors to contemplate the relationship between humanity, culture, and the natural world. The Große Basilika derives its name from the architectural concept of a five-aisled basilica, reminiscent of ancient Roman and early Christian churches. However, instead of brick and mortar, Ölzant's basilica is constructed from 97 enormous diorite boulders, carefully arranged in a sweeping semi-circular formation. These stones, sourced locally, possess a raw, untamed beauty, their surfaces marked by the passage of time and the forces of nature. The semi-circular arc subtly mirrors the architecture of Waidhofen’s Stadtpfarrkirche (town parish church), creating a visual link between the man-made and the natural. The stones are positioned in six rows, their varying sizes and shapes contributing to the overall sense of organic harmony. On the forest side of the installation, two large, flat stones are placed as 'meditation stones,' encouraging visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the surrounding environment. The Große Basilika is more than just a collection of stones; it's a space for contemplation and creativity. Since its creation in March 1994, the site has evolved into a mythical space for art and culture.

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