The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is believed to be of Italian origin, brought to Radna by a soldier in the late 17th century.
The 1695 fire that razed the original chapel reportedly left the icon completely undamaged, which cemented the site's reputation as a place of divine intervention.
The interior features an organ built in 1911 by the famous Lipót Wegenstein firm from Timișoara.
The monastery holds a collection of over 2,000 votive silver plaques donated by pilgrims as thanks for answered prayers.
The complex was extensively renovated and modernized between 2012 and 2015 using European Union funding to preserve its structural integrity.
The Maria Radna Monastery in Lipova is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Catholics in Western Romania. The current church, a landmark of Baroque architecture, was constructed between 1756 and 1782 to replace a medieval chapel. The site is home to a venerated icon of the Virgin Mary, which was saved from a devastating fire in 1695 that destroyed the previous church structure. The monastery complex includes a museum, a cloister, and an extensive park area overlooking the Mureș River valley. The site was elevated to the status of a basilica minor by Pope Francis in 1992. It serves as a spiritual center for the diverse ethnic Catholic communities of the Banat region.
From the Calvary hill path looking back at the basilica towers against the backdrop of the Mureș valley.
Visit the onsite museum located within the monastery walls to view historical ecclesiastical artifacts and the collection of votive offerings.
Walk the path up the Calvary hill behind the monastery for a panoramic view of the Mureș River and the surrounding valley.
Check the local diocesan calendar, as the site can become extremely crowded during major feast days like the Assumption of Mary.
Avoid visiting during the major August pilgrimage feast days if you prefer a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
The complex is generally accessible throughout the year, but the museum may have limited hours or closures during major religious holidays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the basilica, cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats upon entering the church.
