200 years of Salzburg cathedral chapter: A look at his eventful history!

200 years of Salzburg cathedral chapter: A look at his eventful history!

An important chapter in the history of Salzburg is now being recorded in book form. On September 25, 2025, the commemorative publication "200 years of the new Salzburg cathedral chapter" was presented in the Cardinal Schwarzenberg Hall. The publication, edited by Roland Kerschbaum, diocesan conservator and cathedral captain, illuminates the development of the cathedral chapter from its foundation in 1825 to today. In the comprehensive publication, numerous articles on Salzburg's church history are discussed, which give the interested readers deeper insights into the topic.

However, the history of the Salzburg cathedral chapter extends far beyond the past 200 years. As early as 925, it was mentioned in documentary what could give the reason for a possible 1,100 anniversary. Originally founded as a powerful institution, the chapter changed over time from an noble and economically strong organization to a bourgeois and poor cathedral chapter. Political agendas, which once strongly shaped the chapter, met considerably in the 19th century, only to then take on new tasks in the administration and pastoral design of the archdiocese. Pivot reports in detail.

The role of the cathedral chapter in the archdiocese

The cathedral chapter is not just an important historical relic; It still steers the fortunes of Salzburg's largest church and the archdiocese today. The Salzburg cathers are therefore active as an important person towards the archbishop. There are currently eleven church dignitaries in the priestly college, which are also significantly involved in the election of the archbishop. You make the decision from a triple proposal from Rome, which strongly shapes your position within the church. Salzburg.gv.at emphasizes that the chapter in the past has held a central position of power in the archbishopric, which underlines the influence of the canons on church politics.

The tasks of the cathedral chapter are diverse. The activities range from the administration of the cathedral to the cathedral liturgy to the care of the community. The chapter is also responsible for the cathedral music and the cathedral museum. This institution not only acts as a kind of advisor to the archbishop, but also forms an active community of clergymen and lay people who support and promote each other. Particular value is due to the formation of community formation - a central task that the archbishop relieves in the hands of the cathedral chapter.

View of history

The beginnings of the cathedral chapter are diffuse: its foundation may be enough for St. Rupert back in the 8th century. Documentary mentions of canonists can already be found from 774, but a final clarity has not yet been obtained. How Wikipedia Reported, the cathedral chapter remained a central element of the Salzburg church landscape for centuries, only in the course of secularization in 1807.
The voting rights, which belonged to the canons since the High Middle Ages, lost importance, but repeatedly brought differences in power. The consent of the canons became necessary for decisions by the Archbishop.

The new commemorative publication not only offers a historical review, but also enriches the knowledge of the Salzburg church history and, using numerous articles, describes the interrelationships between the cathedral chapter, archbishop and society in general. With 320 pages and a price of 38 euros, the book is aimed at everyone who is interested in the cultural and religious development of the country.