At a Glance

The Kollegienkirche (Collegiate Church) in Salzburg—officially the University Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary—ranks among Europe’s most significant and impressive Baroque structures. Designed by the renowned Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach as the principal church for the Benedictine university, its shimmering, curved façade and light-filled interiors continue to define the appearance of Salzburg’s Old Town at Universitätsplatz to this day.

Construction History and Patron

The founding of the University of Salzburg by the Benedictines in 1622 created a need for a prestigious university church. However, it was not until the late 17th century that Prince-Archbishop Johann Ernst Count von Thun decisively advanced the construction project. He commissioned Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, the leading Baroque architect of the time.

The foundation stone was laid in 1696, and following an eleven-year construction period, the church was consecrated in 1707 in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The building suffered severe damage during the Napoleonic Wars, when French troops temporarily repurposed it as a military depot and hay store. It was not until the 20th century that the structure regained its full splendor through extensive restoration work.

Architecture and Façade

The architecture of the Kollegienkirche differs markedly from the traditional religious buildings of its era, displaying clear influences of Italian Baroque art:

• The Façade: The monumental north façade facing Universitätsplatz is distinguished by a bold central axis that curves convexly outward. It is framed by two soaring, slender towers, the uppermost levels of which feature an intricate, openwork balustrade structure.
• The Floor Plan: Fischer von Erlach chose a Greek cross floor plan with rounded corners, surmounted by a massive central dome that visually dominates the space.

The Extraordinary Interior

The interior of the Kollegienkirche (Collegiate Church) surprises visitors with its stylistic clarity and brightness—qualities that stand in stark contrast to the often richly colored, ornate Baroque churches of the Alpine foothills:

• All-White Color Scheme: Instead of colorful ceiling frescoes, the interior is defined by brilliant white stucco and monochrome surfaces. Light streams in through high-set windows, creating a sense of spaciousness and intellectual clarity—fitting for its role as an academic university church.
• The High Altar: The main altar takes up the theme of the Immaculate Conception. It appears to dissolve as it rises: stucco figures of angelic choirs and the statue of the Virgin Mary seem to float freely in the light-filled chancel, creating an almost theatrical, stage-like effect.
• The Faculty Chapels: Four chapels located at the corners of the main hall are dedicated to the university’s original four faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy.

Significance Today

As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Salzburg’s Old Town, the Kollegienkirche continues to serve as an academic church for the students and faculty of the University of Salzburg. Thanks to its superb acoustics and impressive sense of space, it is also a sought-after venue for sacred concerts and performances during the Salzburg Festival.

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By car

Since Universitätsplatz is located in a pedestrian zone, it is best to park in the surrounding parking garages, such as the Altstadtgarage (Mönchsberg):

• Access: Drive through the Neutor Tunnel (Sigmundstor) directly into the CONTIPARK Altstadtgarage underground parking facility.
• Exit: Use the Toscaninihof or Hildmannplatz exit.
• Walking route: From the Toscaninihof exit, you can reach the Kollegienkirche in about 2 to 3 minutes on foot.
• Tip: If you shop in the Old Town stores or visit local restaurants or cafés, you can have your parking ticket validated to receive the discounted Old Town rate.

By public transport