St. Martin's Church, below the Linz castle to the west, in Römerstrasse, is the oldest church in Austria that still retains most of its original form. It is a characteristic example of Carolingian architecture. The Martinskirche was constructed by Charlemagne in the 700s using part of an old Roman wall and materials from Roman buildings. The first written record of it dates from 799.

Excavation at the site has exhibited the royal hall of the imperial palace. The side walls, showing outlines of doorways and windows dating from the Gothic period, still stands.

The remains of the Roman wall can be seen both inside and outside the church. The interior of St. Martin's Church has remnants of 14th- and 15th-century frescoes, some Baroque artwork, and Roman tomb inscriptions. The choir is 15th-century Gothic.

Hours:     St. Martin's Church is not open to the public, but it can be visited as part of official tours by the Linz tourist office. If you arrive independently, you can view the interior through a glass door.

Location: Römerstrasse, Linz, Austria
Phone:     +43 (0)732/7774-54 
               +43 (0)732/7070-1777
Cost:       Free as part of guided tour
Mass:     Wednesday 8.30am, Sunday 8.15am