Marterl helpers wanted

There is a story behind each of these buildings

Often close to where they are, usually in the middle of the countryside: Marterln are intended to commemorate positive and negative events, usually of a personal nature.(Bild: www.marterl.at)

Some people only notice them "in passing" - but hikers in particular are often interested in the many wayside shrines that can be found in Lower Austria - even if it is only for a short rest, to which the wayside shrines invite you. There is usually a personal story behind each of these small works of art. 

This is often explained with small plaques or QR codes. One man who has spent 20 years researching the history of these gems made of limestone and stone has now been honored for his life's work: Leopold Beck has historically examined more than 100 wayside shrines. "There is often a happy event behind them, but usually a sad one too," he explains. Beck is one of the main contributors to his own internet directory, which lists the marterls (primarily in the Weinviertel) and, if researched, their background.

Stefan Stöger from marterl.at and Leopold Beck (2nd from left) are among those who are intensifying the research into marterls: they are looking for interested successors.(Bild: Sylcia Schwarz)

Directory also available as an app
Can be found at www.marterl.at - a folder has also been published. However, the ravages of time have already taken their toll on many old buildings: in nearby villages, many volunteers are - still - taking care of their preservation. But we are also looking for volunteer "Martel researchers" at the above address.