Andreas Jakob came from the Nikolsburger (Moravian) line of the House of Dietrichstein, whose origin can be traced back to Carinthia in what is now southern Austria.

The episcopal consecration was performed on 1 June 1749 by Josef Maria Reichsgraf von Thun und Hohenstein, Bishop of Gurk.

He was a notable connoisseur of Salzburg life, a zealous and emphatically dynamic person, but also a friend of festivals, masked balls and the theatre.

Lorenz Rosenegger committed 343 guilders to create 100 new figures and to initiate construction, which was met with several difficulties and a significant increase in costs.

Dietrichstein's personal motto was "amore et justitia" - "Through love and justice" - a principle to which he remained loyal for life as a just prince and friend of the people.