Salzburg is a real Baroque gallery – the city center, even today, remains the same as it was when Mozart lived here 250 years ago. The Old Town of Salzburg is fascinating, whether you walk through its streets or look at it from the top of Hohensalzburg Castle. Above the swift waters of the Salzach River is the Mirabel Palace with its delicate gardens. It is simply impossible not to love Salzburg!
This is a list of the main sights of Salzburg to start your journey.
Mirabelle Palace – built in 1606 as a gift from Prince Wolf Dietrich for his beloved Salome Alt, who was a royal mistress and gave the prince 10 children, and they were all born and raised in Mirabelle Palace. Today, the building houses the mayor’s office and the city administration. The palace is surrounded by a large garden with Baroque fountains, fresh greenery and flowers. During many summer nights, the gardens are filled with the sounds of classical music performed by various orchestras. The palace is located in the center of the city.
Helbrunn Palace – Welcome to the house of entertainment! The Baroque structure was built in the 18th century by Prince Wolf Dietrich in order to make it a summer villa for the leisurely activities of his children. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful park with magnificent fountains and a zoo. It is located in the southern part of Salzburg.
Hohensalzburg Castle is the largest fortress in Europe, which is still standing. It is located on a hilltop above the city and is a symbol of Salzburg. Construction began in 1077 and was completed by 1687. Since 1861, the castle has been a tourist attraction. If you dare, you can climb up to the castle using a steep staircase carved into the hill, or you can use the cable car.
The Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is a majestic structure located in the center of the Old Town and is one of the symbols of the city. It was built in the 18th century by Santino Solari in the early Baroque style. Here you will find a sacred vessel used during the baptism of Mozart himself, as well as a beautiful pipe organ surrounded by gilded statues of angels playing various musical instruments.
Mozart Residence (Mozarts Geburtshaus) – this attraction is a must-visit during your stay in Salzburg. This is the place where Mozart lived with his family from 1773 to 1781. Inside you will find some of the composer’s personal musical manuscripts, original furniture, personal belongings, as well as Mozart’s own musical instruments. More than 150 works of Mozart were created in this house. In addition, you can visit a small cinema to watch a short film about the life of Mozart.
Mozart Square – located in the immediate vicinity of the Salzach River, next to the Salzburg Cathedral. This small square, built in 1842, is famous for the bronze statue in the very center depicting the legendary composer. Right in front of the statue there is a cozy cafe that is worth a visit. And right behind it is a cozy shop of Christmas toys that are sold all year round!
The Salzburg Museum is an indisputable proof that a museum can be both educational and entertaining. There are several art and history departments, as well as a section for children. In the Kinder Welt Toy Museum you will find the largest Austrian collection of European toys for the last 250 years. Huge teddy bears, wooden train sets, dolls and dollhouses, model airplanes, balloons, tops and everything you can imagine. The museum has been open to visitors since 1978 and is located in the old hospital building. Not only can you and your children watch the toys, but you can also create and draw your own materials provided in the museum.
The Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) is the oldest building in Salzburg, built in the 13th century. The high vaulted ceiling and columns of the church were built in the Gothic style and contrast, vividly and uniquely, with the Baroque altar. The church is located in the center of the Old Town.
Wherever you are in Salzburg, you will hear the sound of hooves. So why not arrange a carriage ride around the city? This is another way to see the city, at the same time going back in time and feeling like a noble person.
Mozart s Balls (Mozartkugeln) – We are talking about sweets. The only place in the world where you can taste unique small round pieces of candy is Salzburg. The man who invented them in 1890, pastry chef Paul Furst, decided that anyone who would like to try his sweets should come to Salzburg. Even today, the original sweets are still handmade. The candy is based on marzipan filling, nougat and dark chocolate.
It is unlikely that you will pass by this basement, located right at the exit of the Salsburg Cemetery. Most likely you will be attracted by the smell of freshly baked bread. You will find yourself in front of a small mill and bakery, where all kinds of bread and other bakery products are produced and sold. You can choose between sesame bread, poppy seeds, corn flour, walnuts, black pepper and dozens of others, sweet and salty. The Stiftsbckerei bakery is the oldest in Salzburg. The delicious fragrance will attract you here, wherever you are, but just in case – the exact address is Kapitelplatz 8.
Sausage bread is a traditional snack that locals like to eat for lunch and during an early lunch break. Sausages in Salzburg are delicious. You can literally find them everywhere – in small eateries with high tables and without chairs, as well as at street vendors.
Salzburg invites you to rent a car https://travelocars.com/en/austria/salzburg/