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Church · Radovljica, Gorenjska
Basilica of Mary Help of Christians (Brezje)
The Basilica of Brezje, about 7 km from Radovljica, the largest pilgrimage shrine in Slovenia, with the image of Mary Help of Christians painted by Leopold Layer in 1814.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Basilica of Mary Help of Christians (Brezje)
The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians (Bazilika Marije Pomagaj) stands in the village of Brezje, east of Radovljica, beneath the Karavanke mountains. It is Slovenia’s largest pilgrimage shrine and, since 2000, the national Marian shrine of the country.
The shrine grew from a small church of Saint Vitus, to which a chapel dedicated to Mary Help of Christians was added. In 1814, the painter Leopold Layer, from Kranj, painted the chapel and the image of Mary with the Child as a token of thanks for being freed from prison. The image attracted pilgrims throughout the 19th century, and the present church was built and consecrated in 1900, with a Franciscan convent beside it.
Pope John Paul II granted the church the title of minor basilica in 1988 and visited in 1996. Layer’s image is kept in a side chapel, in a frame decorated with stones brought from various parts of the country.
On the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, thousands of people go to Brezje for masses, which are held repeatedly throughout the day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to one hour.
Best time
On ordinary days, in the morning or early afternoon, to see the chapel in peace. On August 15 and major Catholic feast days there are many people and masses all day long.
How to get there
By car, about 10 minutes from Radovljica, with its own exit on the A2 motorway. There are regional buses from Radovljica and from Ljubljana.
Tip
Respect the mass times and wear appropriate clothing. Combine the visit with Radovljica, in the same morning or afternoon.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica of Mary Help of Christians (Brezje)
What is the Brezje shrine?
The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the largest pilgrimage shrine in Slovenia and the national Marian shrine since 2000.
Who painted the image of Mary in Brezje?
Leopold Layer, a painter from Kranj, in 1814, in gratitude for being released from prison.
How far is Radovljica from Brezje?
About 7 km, a short trip by car or regional bus.