Pilgrimage to Maria Trens in Freienfeld

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Pilgrimage to Maria Trens, is the parish church of Trens, a hamlet of Campo di Trens. After the pilgrimage church in Pietralba, the pilgrimage church Maria Trens is one of the most important places of worship and pilgrimage destinations in South Tyrol.

The History of the Pilgrimage to Maria Trens

In 1345, an indulgence was granted in Avignon for the construction of a church dedicated to St. Mary. Within only 100 years, the church became an important pilgrimage destination, so much so that in the 15th century it was enlarged in late Gothic style. Three hundred years later, during a period of Baroque transformation, the church was frescoed by the Viennese painter Adam Mölck, whose paintings depict the life of the church's patron saint, Mary.

The image believed to be miraculous is a polychrome wooden statue made around 1470 by a craftsman who remained unknown but belonged to the Ulm Hans Multscher school. The statue depicting St Mary of the Assumption has been venerated in a purpose-built side chapel, known as the Chapel of Graces, since the beginning of the 18th century. The figure of the Virgin, carved from pine wood, wears a diadem and a cloak adorned with flowers, while holding the baby Jesus in her arms. Her left hand extends towards her mother's white veil, while her right hand is outstretched towards the pilgrims, a symbol of welcome and protection.

The legend of Pilgrimage to Maria Trens

Legend has it that the statue of the Virgin Mary was found intact under a landslide and a farmer brought it to his home. The next morning, the statue had disappeared and the farmer found it in the village chapel near the parish church. From that moment on, veneration began and the pilgrimage of the faithful who wished to pay homage to the miraculous statue began.

Special feasts and processions

1 May - the most important procession of the liturgical year. Hundreds of the faithful from the surrounding valleys gather in Sterzing and together make a pilgrimage to Maria Trens
Corpus Christi: solemn procession with the participation of the village associations and many locals in traditional dress
June - Sacred Heart Sunday: festive procession, in the evening the imposing Sacred Heart fires are lit in accordance with ancient tradition on the local mountain: the Giogo di Trens (Yoke of Trens)
15 August - Assumption of Mary: solemn procession and herb market
1 October - Women's Night Pilgrimage: along the pilgrimage route, numerous women reach the church praying with lit candles for the solemn mass
First weekend in October - Saturday evening candlelight procession and Sunday rosary procession