Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church), Salzburg (must see)
The Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) in Salzburg is a historical landmark whose roots extend back to the 8th century AD. Established during Saint Virgil's era, possibly for baptisms, the site was formally documented in 1139 as a parish church. That early structure was destroyed by fire in 1167, but the church was resiliently rebuilt. By 1208, the late Romanesque-style central nave was constructed and consecrated in 1221, marking it one of Salzburg's oldest surviving buildings.
Significant transformations occurred between the 14th and 15th centuries, including a Romanesque choir replaced by the Gothic version in 1450. A Gothic tower, added between 1468 and 1498, further enhanced the church's profile. Initially a parish church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was eventually transferred to the Franciscan Order in 1642. An interesting historical note is the shortening of the church's tower, in 1670, because it surpassed the height of the cathedral's tower; the former was restored to its neo-Gothic splendor in 1866.
The 18th century saw a stylistic shift during which the church’s interior was remodeled into a Baroque design. This era introduced the "Rosary" of chapels behind the high altar. The High Altar, crafted in 1709 from red marble and gold, features a central Madonna statue from the late Gothic period, created between 1495 and 1498. Additional artistic elements include a 12th-century marble lion on the pulpit staircase and frescoes on the triumphal arch, enriching the church's historical and artistic legacy.
A grand organ is splendidly placed in an elevated position, and the church is quite enthusiastic about its musical Masses (played each Sunday at 9 am) frequently featuring some of Mozart's compositions. With some luck, you can attend a formal organ concert or listen to the organist practice in the afternoon when you want a quiet place to rest.
Tip:
Make sure you head up towards the altar as the ceilings rise to double the height of the area where the pews are.
Significant transformations occurred between the 14th and 15th centuries, including a Romanesque choir replaced by the Gothic version in 1450. A Gothic tower, added between 1468 and 1498, further enhanced the church's profile. Initially a parish church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was eventually transferred to the Franciscan Order in 1642. An interesting historical note is the shortening of the church's tower, in 1670, because it surpassed the height of the cathedral's tower; the former was restored to its neo-Gothic splendor in 1866.
The 18th century saw a stylistic shift during which the church’s interior was remodeled into a Baroque design. This era introduced the "Rosary" of chapels behind the high altar. The High Altar, crafted in 1709 from red marble and gold, features a central Madonna statue from the late Gothic period, created between 1495 and 1498. Additional artistic elements include a 12th-century marble lion on the pulpit staircase and frescoes on the triumphal arch, enriching the church's historical and artistic legacy.
A grand organ is splendidly placed in an elevated position, and the church is quite enthusiastic about its musical Masses (played each Sunday at 9 am) frequently featuring some of Mozart's compositions. With some luck, you can attend a formal organ concert or listen to the organist practice in the afternoon when you want a quiet place to rest.
Tip:
Make sure you head up towards the altar as the ceilings rise to double the height of the area where the pews are.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salzburg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) on Map
Sight Name: Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church)
Sight Location: Salzburg, Austria (See walking tours in Salzburg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Salzburg, Austria (See walking tours in Salzburg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Salzburg, Austria
Create Your Own Walk in Salzburg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Salzburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Mozart Walking Tour
Salzburg was Mozart's home throughout most of his short life. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the Mozart world, there are several locations in the city well worth exploring.
Born on Grain Street (Getreidegasse) and baptized in the nearby Cathedral, Mozart played his first big concert, at age 6, at the Residence Palace.
Later, he served as an organist for the Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Born on Grain Street (Getreidegasse) and baptized in the nearby Cathedral, Mozart played his first big concert, at age 6, at the Residence Palace.
Later, he served as an organist for the Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Old Town Gift Shops
Specialty shops make up an integral part of tourist life in Salzburg. The picturesque Old Town of Salzburg boasts a delightful array of gift shops, all within a pleasant walking distance, offering a diverse range of souvenirs and local treasures. Let's take a stroll through some of the notable establishments in this historic area.
We start at Kirchtag, a quaint gift shop known for its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
We start at Kirchtag, a quaint gift shop known for its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Sound of Music Tour
As the hometown of Mozart, Salzburg is a true mecca for music fans, with no shortage of visitors. In the past few decades, though, Salzburg's Old Town has gained international fame thanks to the Hollywood film "The Sound of Music," shot in 1965. Set on the eve of World War II, the movie follows the lead characters, the Von Trapp family and their nanny played by Julie Andrews, all... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Salzburg Introduction Walking Tour
Dubbed the "City of Mozart", the enchanting Austrian city of Salzburg has gone down in history primarily as the hometown of its greatest son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His birthplace on a busy shopping street called Grain Lane (Getreidegasse) is now a museum. Also popular is the Mozart Residence, a place where the 18th-century composer spent much of his early life.
Apart from Mozart,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Apart from Mozart,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Walking Tour
The historic center of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, is home to numerous landmarks, including religious sites. Collectively, these historical sanctuaries, from small churches to the impressive Baroque-style Salzburg Cathedral, bear witness to the city's fascinating past and contribute a great deal of charm to its alluring present.
The local Saint Peter's Abbey is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The local Saint Peter's Abbey is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles