St. Michael's Church Salzburg, Austria

This tiny pink church on the Residenzplatz is the oldest church in Salzburg, dating from 800 or earlier.

View from South with Christmas Market — View of St. Michael's Church from south, with the Christmas Market in the foreground. Salzburg, Austria. Image credit: Holly Hayes

Overview

It can be easy to overlook Michaelskirche (St. Michael's Church), a pink church in the heavily-touristed area of Residenzplatz and Waagplatz, but be sure to stop by for a quick visit – this small church is the oldest church in Salzburg.

Michaelskirche was mentioned in official documents for the first time back in 813. For centuries it was the main parish church of Salzburg, with the town cemetery right next to it.

However, in 1223 the bigger Franziskanerkirche was selected as the new parish church, and St. Michael's Church quickly lost its importance. Nevertheless, it remains a functioning place of worship today.

The tiny, historic church has a distinctive pink exterior and an intimate and prayerful interior.