The moving history of the Loreto Church in the city of Salzburg goes back to the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War. The nuns from the Loreto Convent in Landshut fled to Salzburg in 1632. They obtained permission to build a convent from Archbishop Paris Lodron and laid the cornerstone in September 1633. Construction was slow due to the lengthy war but the Loreto Church was consecrated in 1637. The convent had 30 cells for the nuns.
Architectural history
When the French marched into Salzburg in 1800, the convent served as a depot and quarters for the soldiers. The community of nuns nearly disbanded just six years later: instead, the nuns decided to feed the poor and have operated a soup kitchen for the needy ever since. The church was struck by bombs during World War II air raids and severely damaged. The Loreto Church was reconstructed and consecrated in 1946.
Architecture and interior
Since the middle of the 17th century, the "Loretokindl" has been the special attraction of the church and convent. The small, ivory figurine was carved by an unknown artist around 1620. Although repeatedly damaged, it miraculously became whole again and found its way to Salzburg in 1650. The nuns from the Loreto Convent provided its garments studded with precious jewels.
Miraculous images
Many have walked past the Loreto Church in search of the church: the church and convent form a single unit with a smooth, yellow-grey façade facing the street with high windows and only two inconspicuous entrances to the convent. An outer impression of the church is given by the Altötting, Einsiedeln and Loreto chapels.
The high altar with its figurines dates back to the 17th century. The niche holds a shrine with a miraculous image of Maria Altötting. The left side chapel contains the miraculous image of Maria Einsiedeln, the right side chapel the miraculous image of Maria Loreto.
The Loreto Church today
The Loreto Church is well-frequented any time of day. This is due to its central location in Paris Lodron Strasse near the Mirabell Gardens and because those in search of serenity are surrounded by a number of miraculous images. The "Loretokindl" draws a great number of visitors who venerate the figurine for its miraculous powers.
Church service:
Sundays and Holidays 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:30am, 4:00pm
Workdays 6:30am, 8:00am
No visits during mass!
Visits of the "Loreto-Kindl" (little ivory-made jesus):
Sundays and Holidays 9.45am-10.30am. and 3:00pm-3:30pm
Workdays 8.30am-10.00am and 3:00pm-4.00pm
Saturdays and the day before holidays: 8.30am-10.00am and 3:00pm.-3.30pm
Fatima day (13th of every month) additionaly:
5:30pm-6:30pm
Confession:
Sundays and Holidays 8:00-9:00am
Workdays 7:30-8:30am and 3:00-5:00pm
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