The Pilgrimage Church of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, Linz, Austria

Earlier in the cruise, we noticed a church with two green spires perched on a hill overlooking Linz. Right after lunch at Leberkas-Pepi, we decided to take the tram from the city centre up to the summit to visit it. The tram route uphill is known as the steepest tramway in Europe.

Once at the top, we had a commanding panoramic view of Linz city below.

I was surprised to see a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk on the path to the Pöstlingberg pilgrimage church or the Pilgrimage Church of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. I first learned about this saint during a visit to Prague in September 2018. He was a 14th-century Bohemian priest from Prague who was martyred and later became one of the most venerated saints in the Habsburg world (Read here).

A closer look shows that his presence is not tied to a specific local event in Linz, but rather to long-established religious and cultural traditions in Central Europe. John of Nepomuk is especially known as the patron saint of protection for travelers and those facing danger, which is why his statues are commonly placed on bridges, roads, and pilgrimage routes. Over time, particularly in the Baroque period, he came to be seen as a symbolic guardian of journeys.

On Pöstlingberg, his statue fits naturally into the design of the pilgrimage ascent, where the walk up the hill represents a spiritual journey. His presence serves both a protective function for pilgrims and reflects the broader Catholic tradition of placing saints along sacred routes to encourage reflection and devotion.

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A mascot placed outside a bakery and a garden gnome added light-hearted moments as we wandered through the neighbourhood, giving the area a playful and whimsical character.

The shady forest surrounding the church made for a pleasant and refreshing walk, with the cool tree cover offering a calm contrast to the open surroundings.

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Once we returned to the city centre, we stopped at Kaffee Glockenspiel for a refreshing beer and a slice of cake. Located on Hauptplatz, Linz’s historic main square, this traditional Austrian coffee house provided the perfect setting to relax after our walk. With its views of the bustling square, it was an ideal place to unwind. As we savoured our drinks and desserts, we soaked in the charm of the city and reflected on the day’s experiences.

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Back on the cruise, we enjoyed another hearty dinner. For the main course, we had pan-seared fish and a braised lamb shank.