Kollegienkirche
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- Salzburg
- Places In Salzburg
- Kollegienkirche
The Kollegienkirche, also known as the Collegiate Church, is located in Salzburg, Austria. It serves as the church for the University of Salzburg. The building was constructed in the Baroque style by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The Immaculate Conception is the focus of this dedicated site, which is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Historic Centre of Salzburg. The church now serves as both the parish church for individuals affiliated with the university and as a venue for the Salzburg Festival.
The building is the University of Salzburg’s church, situated at Universitätsplatz (University square). Bishop Paris von Lodron made the decision to construct a university church on the site where the former Frauengarten was located, rather than utilizing the Aula (the main auditorium) for university church services.Although two previous successors were unable to realize the plan, Johann Ernst von Thun successfully implemented his vision to develop Salzburg in the Baroque style. The construction of the building, designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, commenced in 1694.The dedication of the Immaculate Conception took place in 1707, coinciding with the celebration of this event on 8 December, which is a national holiday in Austria. The Missa brevis in D Minor, K. 65, is widely believed to have been commissioned by the church and made its premiere on 4 February 1769.
During Napoleon’s occupation, the church was repurposed as a storage facility. After the dissolution of the university, it was repurposed as a garrison church. In 1922, the Salzburg Festival premiered Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s Das Salzburger große Welttheater, which was directed by Max Reinhardt.In 1969, Bernhard Paumgartner arranged and presented Emilio de’ Cavalieri’s “Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo.” The church has been a consistent venue for the festival since the 1970s. Rebecca Horn staged Salvatore Sciarrino’s opera Luci mie traditrici in 2008.
In 1964, the church was restored to its original status as a university church. On May 18, 2008, it was officially designated as the parish church for a parish called Universitätspfarrsprengel, which serves individuals affiliated with the university.The restoration of the building began in the 21st century, starting with the apse. The apse was fully completed in 2010.The majority of the remaining restoration work was finished in 2013.
The church is recognized as a listed monument and is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Historic Centre of Salzburg. The church is one of the main works by Fischer von Erlach. He designed a hall with white walls, devoid of paintings, which later served as a model for late-baroque churches in southern Germany.
The organ, which was constructed between 1866 and 1868, was built by Matthäus Mauracher. It is a 34-stop instrument with three manuals and a pedal.Anton Bruckner was known for his skillful performances on the organ, which he played on numerous occasions.The organ was restored in 1982 by Orgelbau Pirchner.
Working Hours
- Monday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Thursday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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