St. Maria Loreto

Amidst the bustling city of Salzburg, find sanctuary at St. Maria Loreto. This unassuming church, nestled near Mirabell Gardens on Paris-Lodron-Straße, holds a captivating story. St. Maria Loreto isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to resilience, a beacon of faith, and home to a cherished treasure. The story begins during the Thirty Years’ War. Nuns from the Loreto Convent in Landshut sought refuge in Salzburg in 1632. Archbishop Paris Lodron welcomed them and granted permission to build a new convent. The cornerstone was laid in 1633, and the convent, with its 30 cells, was completed in 1636. The church itself, St. Maria Loreto, was consecrated shortly after, in 1637. It was dedicated as a triple Marian pilgrimage site, mirroring Loreto, Altötting, and Einsiedeln. The church’s exterior, with its three chapel extensions, gives it a unique architectural charm, especially the Altötting Chapel with its distinctive bell-shaped roof. Inside, the church houses holy paintings and a 17th-century ivory statue known as the “Loretokindel” or “Loreto Child”. This small, 11 cm tall figure of Jesus, dressed in a jewel-encrusted cloak made by the nuns, is a revered object of devotion. Pilgrims come from far and wide to receive its blessing. St. Maria Loreto has endured hardship throughout its history. During the French occupation in 1800, it served as a barracks and munitions depot. It later faced the threat of dissolution, but the nuns’ commitment to feeding the poor saved it. A soup kitchen, established then, continues to serve the needy today. Even the devastation of World War II, when bombs heavily damaged the church, couldn’t extinguish its spirit. St. Maria Loreto was faithfully rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1946. Today, it remains a place of solace and prayer, its doors open to all who seek tranquility and spiritual connection. The nuns of St. Maria Loreto, living in strict cloister, maintain a continuous prayer vigil, their devotion echoing through the centuries. Visit St. Maria Loreto. Experience its peaceful atmosphere and connect with the enduring power of faith. Witness the legacy of resilience and devotion that has shaped this remarkable sanctuary in the heart of Salzburg.