Attraction · Bad Staffelstein · Updated on 1 November 2026.

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen is an attraction in Bad Staffelstein, Bavaria. This place has a story in the app. Within 50 m you'll find a bench and a public toilet.

Directions in Google Maps

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein, photo 2

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein, photo 3

The story

Wikipedia ↗Official website ↗

Story · Basilika Vierzehnheiligen

You're standing at the Basilica of Vierzehnheiligen, on a hillside above the valley of the river Main, between Bad Staffelstein and Lichtenfels. Start with the front. Two tall towers, and between them a graceful centre section that curves out towards you. It's counted among the most impressive façades of the whole Baroque era, and you can spot it from miles away. Now look across the valley. That's Schloss Banz, a former abbey. Together the two are called the Golden Gate, the doorway to old Franconian towns like Coburg and Bayreuth.

Read the whole story in the Outdoor Pitstop app: check in at this place and it is yours (with Pro; new users are Pro for the first 4 weeks).

Opening hours and admission

Opening hours: Apr-Oct 06:30-18:30; Nov-Mar 07:30-17:30
Wheelchair: Accessible

Source: OpenStreetMap and Wikidata.

Photos

10 photos from Wikimedia Commons. In the app you add your own photo when you are there.

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Photo: Ermell · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0View the photo on Wikimedia Commons

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein: Catholic pilgrimage church

The Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein is a Catholic church built from 1743 onwards. It is a place of pilgrimage, where people come to honour the 14 noodhelpers, saints who are called upon in times of illness and need. According to legend, a young shepherd saw a child surrounded by 14 figures on this spot. Pilgrims still visit from May to October. The basilica stands in Beieren, on a slope above the Main valley, between Bad Staffelstein and Lichtenfels (postcode 96231). Across the valley lies Kloster Banz, a former abbey.

Facade and interior of the Basilika Vierzehnheiligen

Look first at the facade. You see a pair of tall towers, with a central section between them that projects gracefully forward. This front is regarded as one of the most impressive facades of the barok, and you can see it from a distance. Together with the abbey across the valley, the church forms the Gouden Poort, the entrance to old Frankische towns such as Coburg and Bayreuth. Inside, the church is nicknamed Gods balzaal. Light from the many windows falls on delicate stuccowork and paintings. The space is divided into ovals. In the largest oval, right in the centre, stands the free-standing genadealtaar with the 14 noodhelpers. Also look at the pulpit, which is supported by floating white cherubs. You are not alone here: around half a million visitors come each year.

The History of the Basilika Vierzehnheiligen

The story begins in 1445, when the shepherd Hermann Leicht first saw the child here, and then saw it twice more. Shortly afterwards, a seriously ill young woman was healed. The monks of Langheim built a chapel, and pilgrims arrived straight away. The present church was designed by Balthasar Neumann and built between 1743 and 1772. Things went wrong early on: the site manager shifted the plan eastwards, perhaps to save money. The altar, however, had to stay on the spot of the visions, so Neumann adapted his design. Afterwards the church fell on hard times. After 1803, treasures, bells and part of the organ were sold. In 1835, lightning struck, and the roof and the tower spires burned down. Franciscans restored the church, and in 1897 it became a basilica.

Toilet at Basilika Vierzehnheiligen, drinking water and benches

The public toilet at Basilika Vierzehnheiligen is free to use and is 51 metres away, in Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura. It is the only public toilet within 500 metres. Benches are close by too. The nearest bench is 48 metres away, also in Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura, and there are 9 benches within 500 metres. That makes it easy to sit down for a short rest after your visit or before you continue on your way. Drinking water is harder to find near Basilika Vierzehnheiligen. According to our map, there is no water point within 1 km. It is therefore a good idea to carry enough water with you before you set off.

Facilities near Basilika Vierzehnheiligen

The nearest pitstop of each kind within 1 km, as the crow flies. No water point, bike pump or honesty box within 1 km.

Well-known points of interest nearby

30 well-known points of interest nearby, those with an audio tour first.

AttractionStory

Kloster Banz · 4.3 km

Photo: Reinhold Möller Ermell · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0View the photo on Wikimedia Commons

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Basilika Vierzehnheiligen located?

Basilika Vierzehnheiligen is located in Bad Staffelstein, on a slope above the Main valley, between Bad Staffelstein and Lichtenfels. Across the valley lies Kloster Banz.

Who are the Vierzehnheiligen?

The Vierzehnheiligen are 14 saints invoked in times of illness and distress. According to legend, they appeared in 1445 to the shepherd Hermann Leicht.

Who designed Basilika Vierzehnheiligen in Bad Staffelstein?

Balthasar Neumann designed Basilika Vierzehnheiligen. The church was built from 1743 to 1772.

Are there benches at Basilika Vierzehnheiligen?

The nearest bench is 48 metres from the basilica, at Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura. Within 500 metres there are 9 benches.

Is there a toilet at Basilika Vierzehnheiligen?

Yes, the nearest public toilet is 51 metres from the basilica, at Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura, and it is free of charge. Within 500 metres there is 1 public toilet.

Is there drinking water at Basilika Vierzehnheiligen?

No, according to our map there is no water point within 1 km of the basilica. So bring your own water.