The parish and pilgrimage church "Maria Himmelfahrt", which was first consecrated in 1347, is located in the center of Forchtenstein. Monks of the Servite order have pastored the parish for almost 300 years from the imposing monastery, which is attached to the parish church. The showpiece of the high altar is the Gothic statue of Mary with the Child. According to reports, this statue has always survived fires and other suffering intact. A special feature, unique because of its size, is the Holy Staircase, located on the north side of the church. It measures over 20 meters in length and is a replica of the 28 steps that Jesus climbed during his condemnation by Pilate.
Church square with carillon
In 2019, a new church square with carillon was created. The curved retaining wall symbolizes outstretched arms - like Mary's protective cloak - with the cylindrical chapel with candle grotto, which bears the inscription "Ave Maria" in 16 languages, it is a center for contemplation. Above the chapel is enthroned the carillon. In the center the large Jesus bell flanked on each side by six apostle bells. Each bell bears the name of an apostle. The rays in the center of the square show the distances and directions of great places of pilgrimage around the world.
The bells, the lettering in the 16 languages, and the songs for the carillon were donated by people of the Forchtenstein population.
The Meditation Courtyard "Sorrows of Mary
The meditation courtyard is located on the north side of the church, you can get there on the way to the Holy Stairs. This place of silence invites to prayer, reflection and meditation. The seven sorrows of Mary are at the center of the contemplation.