Collegiate Church

Overlooking a market in Salzburg, the splendid Kollegienkirche (Collegiate Church; sometimes called the Universitätskirche) was designed by the great Baroque architect Fischer von Erlach.

The Kollegienkirche was built between 1694 and 1707 for the local Benedictine university founded in 1622. The university was disbanded in 1810 but reopened in 1962 as part of the University of Salzburg (the main campus is in the suburb of Nonntal).

Certainly the largest and best Salzburg church designed by Erlach (who also built the Holy Trinity Church and renovated the Franciscan Church), the Collegiate Church is also one of the most celebrated Baroque churches in all of Austria.

The church is built on a modified Greek cross plan with a unique convex facade. Inside, the high altar by Anton Pfaffinger (1740) incorporates classical columns representing the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Altar paintings are by Johann Michael Rottmayr.