Kajetanerkirche - Cajetan Church

The Kajetanerkirche on the square of the same name in the Kaiviertel has a rich history. The physician Paracelsus once worked here. Inside the baroque church, there is a surprising treasure: the Holy Stairs, the Scala Santa.

Experience Church: Scala Santa

The Holy Stairs – Scala Santa – is a special feature of the Kajetanerkirche. It was built in 1712 as a replica of the Roman Scala Santa and, like its model, may only be ascended on one's knees. To this day, it serves as a reminder of Baroque forms of piety. As in Rome, the 2nd, 11th, and 28th steps bear a cross, which is meant to remind us of the blood drops of Jesus Christ. The cross on the 2nd step has been lost, but the frame is still visible. The Scala Santa is regarded as an important sanctuary and is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Construction History

In 1591, Archbishop Wolf Dietrich acquired a hospital and church for the establishment of a seminary, which was to be overseen by the Theatine Order (Kajetaner). The church was finally completed in 1696 under Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun and consecrated in 1700. After the dissolution of the Salzburg branch of the Theatine Order in 1809, the church fell into disrepair.
In 1923, the church and monastery were handed over to the Order of the Brothers of Mercy, who undertook efforts for restoration. During World War II, the building served as a hospital, was damaged by bombs in 1944, and subsequently restored.
From 2019 to March 2026, a comprehensive renovation of the interior and façade took place. Not only was the structural substance secured, but the original splendor was also brought back to light.
The Kajetanerkirche is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in Salzburg.

Architecture and Interior

The Kajetanerkirche introduced Italian Baroque to Salzburg. The broadly laid out, palace-like façade unites the church and monastery into a cohesive complex. Behind it rises a powerful transverse oval dome that emphasizes the sacred character of the complex. The stucco in the interior gives the church a festive, noble, and clear atmosphere. The light-giving dome dominates the space.
Above the vestibule, integrated into the balcony railing, is Salzburg's oldest preserved organ, built in 1696 by Christoph Egedacher. As part of the renovation from 2019 to March 2026, this historic instrument was carefully restored and returned to its original condition.