Martinskirche

One of the most remarkable and oldest churches in Linz is the Martinskirche, or the Church of St. Martin. The Martinskirche is located in the heart of Linz, Upper Austria.The Roman Catholic parish church of St. Martin am Römerberg is part of the Linz-Mitte Deanery, which is part of the Diocese of Linz.

The History of the Martinskirche

The Martinskirche is located in the heart of Linz, on the Römerberg hill, overlooking the Danube river. It is the Roman Catholic parish church of St. Martin am Römerberg, and belongs to the Linz-Mitte Deanery, which is part of the Diocese of Linz.

The church has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the early Middle Ages. It was once thought to be Austria’s oldest surviving church, but recent studies have cast doubt on this claim. Other contenders are the similarly dated Ruprechtskirche in Vienna and the filial church of St. Ulrich in Thaur, near Innsbruck.

The first known reference to the Martinskirche occurs in the year 799, when the Bavarian prefect Gerold the Younger, who was in charge of the campaign against the Avars, expressed his devotion to St. Martin while preparing for the battle. He asked his brother-in-law, King Charlemagne, to intervene with Bishop Waldrich of Passau, so that he could have the church for life. On June 20, 799, during a diocesan synod or assembly in Treisma, a similar document was written, the oldest copy of which comes from the 9th century and is kept in the Bavarian Main State Archives in Munich.

The church underwent several changes and additions over the centuries, resulting in a central structure with an incomplete cloverleaf-shaped floor plan. The church was finally renovated in the Gothic style in the 15th century. The western wall was demolished and rebuilt in 1589, with the southern entrance, which had been in use since 799, being replaced with a western portal.

During the French and Bavarian occupation of Linz during the War of Austrian Succession, the church was used as a horse stable in 1742, and later as a military depot from 1810 until 1832. The western portal was restored when the church was refurbished in 1841.

In 1978, the ancient Carolingian central building was discovered.

The current floor plan is the result of a conversion, most likely in the 10th or 11th centuries. The oldest Romanesque-era wall remains suggest a rectangular hall with a choir screen.

The Art and Architecture of the Martinskirche

The Martinskirche is a treasure trove of art and architecture, showcasing various styles and periods. Inside, one can admire 14th and 15th century frescoes, Roman tombstones with 3rd century inscriptions, and Gothic wooden statues.

The frescoes depict scenes from the life of St. Martin, such as his conversion, his sharing of his cloak with a beggar, his ordination as a bishop, and his death. They also show the Last Judgment, the Crucifixion, and the Apostles.

The Roman tombstones are embedded in the walls of the nave and the choir. They bear Latin inscriptions, some of which are still legible. They testify to the presence of a Roman settlement in the area, and the continuity of Christian worship.

The Gothic wooden statues are located in the side chapels and the choir. They represent saints, such as St. Catherine, St. Barbara, St. Florian, and St. Sebastian. They are carved with great detail and expression, and some of them are painted and gilded.

The church also features a Gothic altar, a Baroque pulpit, a Rococo organ, and a modern stained glass window.

The Significance of the Martinskirche

The Martinskirche is not only a historical and artistic monument, but also a living and vibrant place of worship and community. It hosts regular masses, concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours. It is also a popular destination for pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike.

The church is dedicated to St. Martin, the patron saint of Linz, who is revered for his charity, humility, and courage. His feast day, November 11, is celebrated with a solemn procession, a festive mass, and a traditional lantern parade.

The Martinskirche is a symbol of the faith, culture, and identity of Linz. It is a witness to the past, a present to the present, and a hope for the future. It is a church that invites everyone to discover its beauty, history, and spirituality.

Linz, Austria