St. Michaelskirche - St. Michael's Church
The inconspicuous St. Michael's church on Residenzplatz is Salzburg's oldest parish church. A particular highlight is the nativity scene with references to Salzburg.
The beginnings of the former parish church go back as far as the year 800. Until the 12th century, it was a double church: the upper part was reserved for the emperor and his entourage, the lower part was for the bourgeoisie. In the 18th century, it was elaborately redesigned, and now it is integrated into the row of houses of the Residenzplatz to such an extent, that its former appearance is hardly recognisable.
The small church is a succursal church in honour of the Archangel Michael. The main altar is adorned with a painting of the Archangel defeating Lucifer. A further highlight is the all-year nativity scene showing scenes from the ecclesiastical year: from the proclamation of the angel to the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The backdrop of the nativity scene are Hohensalzburg Fortress and the catacombs at St. Peter.
