The Church of St. Mary Mother of Good Counsel (Pfarrkirche hl. Maria Mutter vom Guten Rat), also referred to as the Maria vom Guten Rat Pilgrimage Church, is a small but historically significant Baroque church located in the Böckstein district of Bad Gastein, Austria. Situated at Böcksteiner Bundesstraße 29, approximately 2 km south of Bad Gastein’s town center, it is part of the Altböckstein mining settlement within the Hohe Tauern National Park. Built between 1764 and 1765, this church served as a spiritual haven for miners and remains a cherished cultural and religious site, known for its simple elegance and connection to the Gastein Valley’s mining heritage.
The Church of St. Mary Mother of Good Counsel is deeply tied to the
Gastein Valley’s gold and silver mining history, which began in 1342
under Archbishop Heinrich von Pyrnbrunn. The Altböckstein settlement,
established in 1741 after an avalanche destroyed the earlier “Alte Pöck”
site, was a hub for mining operations, and the church was constructed to
serve its spiritual needs.
Construction (1764–1765): The church
was built during a period of mining prosperity, dedicated to the Virgin
Mary under the title “Mother of Good Counsel” (Mater Boni Consilii), a
devotion rooted in a miraculous 15th-century fresco from Genazzano,
Italy, popularized by the Augustinian Order. Its establishment coincided
with the construction of key mining buildings like the Salzstadl (1743)
and Säumerstall (1745), reflecting the community’s growth. The church
served miners and their families, offering solace in a dangerous
profession.
Mining Context: The Gastein Valley’s mining peaked in
1557, yielding 830 kg of gold and 2,733 kg of silver. By the 18th
century, operations were administered from Böckstein, with the church as
a spiritual anchor. Its pilgrimage status drew local devotees,
reinforcing its role beyond the mining community.
Modern Era: Mining
ceased in 1945, and the Altböckstein settlement faced demolition in the
1970s. Preservation efforts led by Hofrat Dr. Peter Sika secured its
protection in 1977, and the church became part of the Montanmuseum
Altböckstein, opened in 1981. It remains a functional Catholic church
under the Bad Gastein parish, used for occasional services and cultural
tours.
The church exemplifies Baroque architecture tailored to a rural
mining community, balancing simplicity with devotional elegance.
Exterior: The church features a compact, rectangular structure with a
whitewashed stone facade, typical of Styrian Baroque churches. A modest
bell tower, likely topped with a small spire or onion dome, rises above
the entrance, harmonizing with the surrounding mining buildings. The
facade includes subtle decorative elements, such as pilasters or a
triangular pediment, framing a central portal. Its integration into the
Altböckstein settlement, alongside the Waschhaus and Direktionsgebäude,
creates a cohesive historical ensemble.
Interior: The interior is
noted for its simplicity, with a single nave and a modest altar
dedicated to the Virgin Mary as Mother of Good Counsel. The altar likely
features a painting or statue of the Genazzano fresco, depicting Mary
and the Christ Child, symbolizing divine guidance. Baroque stucco work
or frescoes may adorn the ceiling, though less elaborate than in larger
churches like Bad Gastein’s Pfarrkirche St. Primus und Felizian. Wooden
pews and mining-related devotional items, such as votive offerings,
reflect its historical congregation.
Setting: Positioned within the
Altböckstein open-air museum, the church is surrounded by 18th-century
mining structures and the scenic Gasteiner Ache valley. Its proximity to
the Radhausberg, a historic mining site, enhances its historical
ambiance, with views of the Hohe Tauern peaks.
Significance
The
church’s dedication to Our Lady of Good Counsel, a title formalized in
the Catholic Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1903, underscores its spiritual
role. The devotion, originating from a 1467 miracle in Genazzano where a
fresco miraculously appeared, was spread by Augustinians and resonated
with miners seeking divine protection. The church’s construction in
1764–1765 aligns with this growing devotion, offering miners guidance in
a perilous industry. Its integration into the Montanmuseum Altböckstein
highlights its cultural importance, complementing exhibits on the
valley’s 1342–1945 mining history. The church also reflects Bad
Gastein’s broader religious landscape, alongside the Christophoruskirche
and Nikolauskirche, showcasing the valley’s Catholic and Protestant
diversity.
The Church of St. Mary Mother of Good Counsel is accessible
primarily through guided tours of the Montanmuseum Altböckstein, as
it is part of the open-air settlement. It ranks as a secondary
attraction compared to Bad Gastein’s waterfall or Gasteiner Museum
but is valued by visitors interested in history and architecture.
Positives:
Historical Context: The church’s mining connection
and Baroque charm are highlights, with tours providing insights into
its role in the Altböckstein community. Visitors to the Montanmuseum
(rated 100% on HolidayCheck) praise the settlement’s “touching
history,” with the church as a “quaint” focal point.
Guided
Tours: Museum tours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 PM, €6) include
the church, focusing on its mining-era significance. The
settlement’s preserved buildings, like the Säumerstall’s gold
processing model, complement the visit.
Scenic Setting: The
church’s location amid the Hohe Tauern’s mountains and the Gasteiner
Ache offers a serene backdrop, ideal for photography and reflection.
Cultural Value: Its inclusion in the Montanmuseum, bearing the
Austrian Museum Quality Seal, ensures an educational experience,
with nearby gold panning (Wednesdays/Fridays, June–September, €6)
adding interactive appeal.
Challenges:
Limited Access: The
church is not open for independent visits, requiring a museum tour
or service attendance (rare, as it’s not a primary parish church).
Visitors note the Montanmuseum’s afternoon-only hours (2:30–5:30 PM,
May 9–September 29, 2025) can be restrictive.
Language Barrier:
Tours are primarily in German, though English materials or guides
may be available upon request, limiting accessibility for
international visitors.
Small Scale: The church’s modest size and
sparse use may disappoint those expecting a grand cathedral like St.
Primus und Felizian in Bad Gastein’s center.
Terrain: The
settlement’s uneven paths may challenge those with mobility issues,
though the church itself is relatively accessible.
Visitor
Feedback: While specific reviews for the church are scarce,
Montanmuseum visitors describe the Altböckstein experience as
“fascinating” for families and history buffs, with the church adding
a “spiritual dimension.” Tripadvisor reviews of nearby attractions
suggest Böckstein’s quiet charm contrasts with Bad Gastein’s busier
center.
Opening Hours (2025): Accessible via Montanmuseum Altböckstein tours,
May 9–September 29, daily (except Mondays) from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 PM (€6). Check for
occasional services with the Bad Gastein parish.
Admission:
Museum Entry (includes church): €4 adults (€3 with Gastein Card), €1
children, free with SalzburgerLand Card.
Guided Tour: €6 per person.
Contact:
Montanmuseum: +43 660 663 22 16,
info@montanmuseum-boeckstein.at, www.montanmuseum-boeckstein.at.
Bad
Gastein Tourism: +43 6432 3393 560, badgastein@gastein.com,
www.gastein.com.
Accessibility:
By Foot: A 20–30-minute walk
from Bad Gastein via the Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Promenade or Achepromenaden
trails.
By Car: 2 km south of Bad Gastein on Böcksteiner
Bundesstraße. Parking at Ullmannwiese or near Karl-Imhof-Ring.
By
Public Transport: Postbus Line 550 from Bad Gastein Train Station (1.5
km) to Böckstein Ortsmitte, directly outside the museum. The station
connects to Salzburg and Klagenfurt.
Disability Access: Uneven
terrain may pose challenges; contact the museum for accommodations.
Visitor Tips:
Visit in summer (June–August) for museum tours and
gold panning, or combine with a winter ski trip to Bad Gastein
(Stubnerkogel, 3 km).
Book guided tours in advance for English
options (+43 6434 2398).
Use the Gastein Card for discounts,
available at local hotels.
Pair with the Montanmuseum, Bad Gastein
Waterfall (2 km), or Gasteiner Heilstollen (1 km) for a full day.
Bring sturdy shoes for the settlement’s paths and a camera for the
church’s Baroque details.