Salzburg - Salzburg guide, attractions and pictures
Salzburg, the famous birthplace of Mozart, is a city of Baroque architecture, pastoral landscapes, and parks. Salzburg houses magnificent residences, water fountains, hilltop castles, monuments, churches, urban hassle, and rich cultural life. Salzburg is best known as the hometown of Mozart and when you get there you can really feel the baroque atmosphere. Mozart’s music is played everywhere and his image is displayed even on all their chocolates.
Historically, Salzburg has served as one of the chief regional towns within the Roman Empire. The city functioned under the name Juvavum as a high status city in the Noricum Roman province. Salzburg had been the seat of the Roman bishopric, the Archbishopric of Salzburg. In 15th century, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau commenced a Baroque reconstruction of the city and erected some of the most beautiful buildings.
Each summer, Salzburg is the host of the prominent drama and musical festival Salzburger Spiele. The Salzburg Easter Festival presents opera and classical music productions such as Peter Grimes and Fidelio. Apart from large public events, the city of Salzburg offers to visitors many historic and cultural landmarks. In the Old Town of Salzburg,
Getreidegasse is a busy shopping thoroughfare. The street had functioned as a major road of the Roman city of Juvavum. Getreidegasse houses many expensive boutiques and stores as well as the famous
Mozart’s house.
Hohensalzburg originated in the 11th century under the rule of Archbishop Gebgard. The Medieval building served as a defense fortress against the attacks of the German principalities. The Furstenzimmer of the fortress contains excellent Gothic ceilings and doorframes, and a magnificent organ dating back to the 16th century. The Burgmuseum displays Gothic statuary and instruments of torture. The Reiner Museum showcases the armory of the infantry regimen which was stationed in the fortress.
The Mozart Gewohnhaus museum offers an introduction to the life and work of the prominent composer. Schloss Hellbrunn was built in 1619 by Santino Solari for the Archbishop Marcus Sitticus. The summer retreat of the Archbishop boosts superior gardens which feature grottos, water-power figures, and fountains. The castle contains themed rooms such as the Fish Room, the Chinese Room, and the Octagon Room. The outdoor Stone Theatre reminds of the Archbishop’s fascination with opera and drama. In 1619, Ferdinand II enjoyed the performance of Orfeo in the Stone Opera of Marcus Sitticus.
Salzburg is the third most visited city in Europe right after
Venice and
Florence. Salzburg is the oldest and most significant cultural centre in
Austria today. Its small center makes it easier to tour the city on foot.
Please help us build a better site. Add your comments about Salzburg
here.
User Comments about Salzburg