Saint Rupert of Salzburg

Rupert (Ruprecht) was a Frankish nobleman, probably related to the Merovingian kings, who served as bishop of Worms in the late 7th century. Around 696 Duke Theodo of Bavaria invited him to evangelize his lands. Rupert traveled along the Danube, preaching and baptizing, and the duke granted him the ruins of the old Roman town of Iuvavum, where he founded the Abbey of Saint Peter and a new city that would become Salzburg.

He also founded the convent of Nonnberg, placing his niece Saint Erentrude as its first abbess, and he developed the salt springs of the region, which gave Salzburg its name and its wealth. He sent missionaries into the Alpine valleys and built churches throughout the area. He died around 710, according to tradition on Easter Sunday, March 27. His relics rest in Salzburg Cathedral.

Salzburg celebrates its patron with the Rupertikirtag, a popular fair held around September 24, the anniversary of the transfer of his relics, with music, traditional costumes and food stalls. His feast on March 27 is kept with Mass in the cathedral and Saint Peter's Abbey.