Holy Trinity Church on Makartplatz

Why is it significant?

Gaze upon the gracefully curving concave twin-tower facade of the Holy Trinity Church, dominating the eastern end of Makartplatz.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Gaze upon the gracefully curving concave twin-tower facade of the Holy Trinity Church, dominating the eastern end of Makartplatz. Constructed between 1694 and 1702 under Prince-Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun, this was the very first ecclesiastical masterpiece completed in Salzburg by legendary Austrian architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Drawing deep inspiration from Roman baroque masters like Borromini and Bernini, he created a work of supreme theatricality.

Step inside through the stone vestibule into the oval central nave and gaze up into the grand painted dome. The magnificent dome fresco was painted by Austrian baroque master Johann Michael Rottmayr, depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Trinity. Rottmayr's brilliant illusionistic technique makes the stone ceiling seem to dissolve directly into heaven amidst choirs of singing angels.

The church was built as part of an elite seminary established by Prince-Archbishop Thun to educate dedicated Catholic clergy. Following his death in 1709, the prince's heart was buried here in a lead casket before the high altar, in accordance with his personal last will. The serene, luminous interior still exudes a profound spiritual stillness away from the busy streets outside. The intricately crafted facade details and historic masonry continue to captivate historians and travelers alike. A thoughtful walk through these historic alleys reveals how masterfully Salzburg preserved its rich architectural heritage across centuries.

Examine the exquisite wrought-iron screen beneath the choir gallery, showcasing the pinnacle of Salzburg blacksmith artistry. Despite later architectural additions around the square, the Holy Trinity Church preserves its original high baroque integrity without alteration. Architectural historians consider it the definitive turning point that ushered the high baroque era into Austria. Generations of Salzburg citizens have shaped this extraordinary site and passed its inspiring stories down to posterity. Throughout the neighboring streets, one can immediately sense the vibrant harmony between baroque tradition and cosmopolitan culture.

Cross Makartplatz to the opposite row of historic houses to visit Mozart's Residence in the Dance Master House.