Protestant Church Christuskirche

At the start of the Reformation, Luther’s beliefs swept across Salzburg. In 1863, the cornerstone for Christ Lutheran Church was set on the banks of the Salzach.

The church was built thanks to substantial donations from the Protestant world. 370 prisoners detained in the Fortress during the Austro-Prussian War against Denmark assisted in the construction of the chapel. It was dedicated in September 1867. The brick structure on Elisabethkai was the Province of Salzburg’s first Protestant church.

The church is the result of historicizing architecture that is a representation of stimuli and a synthesis of previous styles that has developed into its own distinct style. It is the sole remaining specimen of romantic historicism in Salzburg. The church creates a charming overall image with its balanced proportions, a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, and the vibrant contrast from the muted red architecture to the light grey decoration. The architect was especially pleased of the lofty steeple and imposing balustrade, which could be seen from afar.

The interior of Christ Lutheran Church is austere, in keeping with its only goal of teaching the Gospel. The depiction of Christ as a teacher and ruler is enhanced with emblems from the four Evangelists. Two paintings on each side of the chancel depict incidents in Salzburg’s Protestant history: the oath of loyalty made by Protestant farmers in Schwarzach and the Lutheran Expulsion in 1732. Albert Birkle created the stunning stained glass window in the chancel in 1950. It depicts Christ as a Good Shepherd with the lamb and the two Apostles, Peter and John, in an evocative manner. The lower section depicts Protestant emigrants dressed in typical Salzburg garb.