Short info:
- What is special about the Kollegienkirche? The church was built in the baroque style in the 17th century and is considered one of the most important sacred buildings of this era in Salzburg.
- Where is the Kollegienkirche located? Universitätsplatz 20, 5020 Salzburg
- What can you see there? One of the largest organs in Salzburg, a very beautiful altar.
- When is it open? Daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
- How much time should I plan? Maximum half an hour.
- How much is the admission fee? Free
History and Today
Salzburg, the city of Mozartkugeln, festivals and the DomQuartier, is also home to two magnificent baroque churches: the Kollegienkirche and the Universitätskirche. Built between 1694 and 1707, the Kollegienkirche is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of the most famous churches in Salzburg.
The church is a listed building and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historical Center of the City of Salzburg. The “white church” of the university is Salzburg’s Notre Dame.
The Kollegienkirche was built by the Jesuits as part of their university. However, the church was not only a place for religious ceremonies, but also a place of education. In the Jesuit library, located directly above the church, books and manuscripts were collected and studied. Today, the library houses the city’s most valuable and oldest books and is open to the public.
The Structure
The facade of the Kollegienkirche is an impressive example of baroque architecture. The facade is adorned with columns, pilasters and statues, and shows scenes from the life of Jesus. The 29m high interior of the church is just as magnificent as the facade. The ceilings are painted with frescoes and the altar painting is a work of art by the painter Johann Michael Rottmayr.
The Church Interior
Father Bernard Stuart designed the current high altar, which was implemented by Josef Anton Pfaffinger. The program of the altar is based on a quote from the Old Testament, which comes from Solomon: “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars.” In front of the pillars are allegorical figures representing music, poetry, painting, architecture, and the four faculties. Love and hope float above them, driven by faith. Seven archangels are depicted at the height of the cornice.
The altar merges into the stucco figures designed by Fischer von Erlach, repeating the main motifs of the church, which he continues. At the top level of the choir, in front of a bright window in the apse, is Maria Immaculata, surrounded by sculpted clouds, numerous angels, and a halo – an almost ethereal appearance on a crescent moon.
The baroque organ in the Kollegienkirche is particularly noteworthy. The organ, built between 1866 and 1868, has been restored and expanded several times over the years. Today it has 34 registers and is one of the largest organs in Salzburg.