Markuskirche stands as a testament to Salzburg’s rich history and resilience. This baroque church is also known as Ursulinenkirche. It sits nestled in the Old Town near the Klausentor.
Erzbischof Johann Ernst von Thun wanted to improve education for young women. In 1695, he called the Ursulines to Salzburg. They first stayed outside the city at Schloss Arenberg. Soon, they moved closer to town near the Klausentor.
However, tragedy struck in 1669. A massive rockfall devastated the area. It destroyed the chapel and hospital previously dedicated to St. Markus. Over 220 lives were lost in this terrible disaster. Today, a plaque in Gstättengasse remembers this event. Every spring, the city sends out “Bergputzer” to clear loose stones from the cliffs.
In 1616, before the rockfall, Prince-Archbishop Markus Sittikus started building a chapel dedicated to St. Markus. It included a monastery and a hospital. The chapel was consecrated on April 25, 1618, St. Mark’s feast day. The hospital opened three days later and was run by the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God.
In 1699, the foundation stone was laid for the Ursuline monastery and church. The Markuskirche was completed and given to the Ursulines in 1705. They moved into the monastery in 1720. Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach likely designed the building.
The Markuskirche sits on a narrow space between the Mönchsberg cliffs and the fortress wall. The design features harmonious lines and baroque liveliness. The towers are set back to make room for a grand entrance hall.
Above the entrance, you will see ionic pilasters and a triangular gable. Statues of Saint Markus, Saint Augustine, and Saint Ursula adorn the gable. These figures were likely created by Bernhard Michael Mandl.
Inside the Markuskirche, an iron grating from 1705 closes off the entrance hall. Four large statues depict Saint Nicholas, Gelasius, Fulgentius, and Wilhelm. These date back to when the Markuskirche was built. The interior has a cross-shaped layout with rich decorations. Stucco covers the vaults and choir walls. Christoph Anton Mayr added ceiling paintings in 1756.
The high altar, created by Wolfgang Hagenauer between 1766 and 1768, shows Saint Markus in discussion with heathens. Above this, the Holy Trinity is depicted. Statues of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist stand on either side.
Since 1999, the Markuskirche has been home to the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic community. In 2000, an iconostasis designed by Bohdan Turetsky from Ukraine was installed. The church now serves as the central church for the pastoral care of Western Austria. It holds services in the Byzantine rite.
In 1957, the Ursulines moved to Glasenbach. The Archdiocese of Salzburg took over the Markuskirche as a rectorship. After 1970, major renovations became necessary. The unstable ground caused structural damage. In 1973, the church had to close due to the risk of collapse. Extensive foundation work secured the building.
Today, the Markuskirche stands as a symbol of faith and art. It has witnessed centuries of Salzburg’s history. From its baroque design to its Ukrainian-Greek Catholic traditions, it is a unique place of worship.