Church of St. Martin, Linz
Nave of the ancient Martinskirche. Photo © ArtServe.
Outer wall of the Martinskirche. Photo © ArtServe.
Approximate location of the Martinskirche. For a larger view,
see our Linz Map or Google Earth download.
The finest example of Carolingian architecture in the region, the Martinskirche or Church of St. Martin is the oldest church in Austria still in its original form.
Constructed by Charlemagne during the 700s, Martinskirche used the ruins of an ancient Roman wall for parts of its foundation. This can be seen on both the inside and outside, while the ground plan is marked by stone slabs.
The building was redesigned as a bay church in the 11th century and the pillar arches were filled in. There are Romanesque and Gothic door and window arches dating from later alterations.
The interior of St. Martin's Church is decorated with frescoes, several fine examples of Baroque art, and a 15th-century Gothic choir. Roman stone inscriptions can also be seen.
Restored in 1948, the church stands a 10-minute walk west of Hauptplatz, in a neighborhood filled with commercial buildings. A covered passageway connects it directly to the Linzer Schloss.
Quick Facts
Although not open to the public (but you can look through a glass door), the Church of St. Martin is included as part of the official tours sponsored by the Linz tourist office.
| Location: | Römerstrasse, Linz, Austria |
| Phone: | 43 (0)732/777454 (Martinskirche); 0732/7070-1777 (Linz Tourist Office) |
| Bus: | 33 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Mass: | Wednesday 8.30am, Sunday 8.15am |
