The duke of Bavaria invited him to mission to the Bavarian
tribes, so Rupert moved to Altotting. From there, he travelled down the Danube
and preached, converting many in several towns and villages. Unstable politics along
the duchy’s border regions caused him to pause his travelling mission work. He
settled in an old, ruined Roman settlement of Juvavum and renamed it Salzburg
for the nearby salt mines.
In Salzburg, Christianity had been introduced, but the faith
and city had waned in previous years. Rupert reestablished the monastic
community, laid the foundations of Salzburg Cathedral, founded a Benedictine
nunnery, introduced higher education, and promoted the development of the salt
works to bring money into the city. His reforms have earned him the title as
founder of the city.
St. Rupert died on Easter Sunday around 710, though some
reports say he returned to Worms until 717. His remains were transferred to the
Salzburg Cathedral in 774. He is known as the Apostle of the Bavarians and is
the patron saint of Salzburg, salt miners, and one of the patrons of Austria.
He is often depicted holding a jar of salt. His feast day is March 27 but is
celebrated in Austria on September 24, the date his relics returned to his city.
