People may know Salzburg as Mozart’s birthplace but there is more to this destination than just that. The city is rich with history as tourists and travelers alike can witness that from the architectural structures that stand in each corner of the city.
There are also a lot of other tourist destinations that can be visited in Salzburg; might we add that one notable destination, Mirabell Gardens, is where The Sound of Music was filmed.
Have these facts piqued your interest? Read along the article to get to know more about the historical city that is Salzburg!
History
The city of Salzburg, Austria has been recorded to have existed as early as the Stone Ages, however not many significant events have been documented during the said period; the period of the Middle Ages and Baroque times is where historical events start to take place for the city of Salzburg.
The first sign of settlements in the city happened during the Neolithic period; the city did not have the Salzburg name yet, instead, the city was named Iuvavum. Iuvavum was composed of small Celtic communities that merged, and this city was founded by the Romans during 15 B.C.
Not long after the Roman Empire’s downfall, the city soon followed after the decay of the Romans and was abandoned by its people and left in ruins. By the 5th century, a monastery was documented and this very structure was given to St. Rupert by the Duke of Bavaria as a gift in 699 A.D.
From that moment on the city began to rise again. St. Rupert became the city’s bishop and launched St. Peter’s Abbey. Until this very day, St. Rupert is the patron saint of the city of Salzburg.
The time wherein the name ‘Salzburg’ was recorded was in 755 A.D. Fast forward to 1107 and a new historical structure was built and it was given the name of Fortress. In 1166, the city experienced destruction due to the dispute between the archbishop of Salzburg and the German Emperor, Barbarossa. The destruction was caused by arson.
Moving on to the 15th century, a tormenting event has befallen the city. The moment the plague hit the city, about a third of the city’s population succumbed to it. Around this time, the city had also become an independent one and had removed itself from Bavaria. The city had now become a part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
In 1492, two significant events took place: first, the famous brewery we all know today, Stiegl brewery, was founded, second, the Jews were forced to leave the city. After a few years, riots began to emerge among the peasants. The city of Salzburg was also occupied during the Bauernkrieg.
The Fortress was also taken for three months in 1525. Eventually, the rioters eased down after some time as well. Fast forward to the 17th and 18th centuries, this is where we will see the city of Salzburg flourishing. This is thanks to these notable men: Prince Archbishops Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Markus Sittikus, and Paris Lodron, all of whom have used the wealth from a salt trade.
Ultimately, this very wealth would help shape the city’s state and turn it into something beautiful. The city of Salzburg was transformed into a gorgeously baroque city filled with captivating palaces, gardens, and churches.
In 1756, this is where one of the most famous composers was born; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Moving on to two of the most impactful events in world history, World War I and II, the city of Salzburg also had its fair share of traumatic events.
There’s not much to talk about during World War I, however, after that war, Salzburg became a hotspot for the wealthy coming from places like Vienna and Germany. Eventually, Austria becomes a part of Nazi Germany, and book burnings took place as well as persecutions of Jews and Nazi victims. A synagogue was also destroyed around November.
During World War II, 46% of Salzburg was destroyed due to airstrikes. After the war, the city was occupied by US troops. Luckily for the city, it recovered thanks to the Marshall European Recovery Program.
In 1997, the city of Salzburg became a part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage to honor the various baroque structures within it.
Best Places To Visit In Salzburg:
After reading a summary of Salzburg’s history, it is now time to delve into some of the best places to visit in the city.
Mozart’s Birthplace
If you are a tourist that has an affinity for classical music, then Mozart’s Birthplace would be the perfect place to visit for you! Some notable highlights of Mozart’s Birthplace would be the rooms where the family stayed, a museum that showcases various mementos such as young Mozart’s violin, some portraits, and Mozart’s original compositions.
A tour can be arranged for visitors who are interested in visiting this place. There are a variety of tours to choose from as well such as public guided tours, exclusive tours, group visits, so on and so forth. You can find out more about tour accommodations by visiting this site.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
The beautiful place of Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a place built by prince-archbishop Wolf Deitrich for his beloved Salome Alt, is where tourists can enjoy baroque landscapes and vibrant gardens. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is home to the Grand Staircase, which is one of the destination’s highlights.
Another notable place to visit here is the Marble Hall, a place where concerts and functions are still being held. Another place we would like to recommend for tourists to visit would be the Schloss Mirabell Baroque Museum. This very museum showcases a variety of artworks, specifically 250 artworks, created by artists during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Some notable sketches located in the Baroque Museum were created by the likes of Bernini, Carlone, Fragonard, Rubens, and Tiepolo.
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is also famous for tourists who are a fan of The Sound of Music since this is where the musical was produced and filmed.
Museum of Modern Art
Located in Mönchsberg, the Museum of Modern Art showcases international art treasures from the 20th and 21st centuries. The artworks shown in this place are composed of both acclaimed modern artworks as well as contemporary artworks; it is no wonder the Museum of Modern Art is famous to tourists coming from all over the world.
There are various events held in this location as well, some of which are exhibitions from various artists. Exhibitions that were and will be held here will showcase the works of David Tudor and Ellen Harvey. Apart from exhibitions from artists, ArtPackages and Guided Tours are also held in this place.
Get to know more about the Museum of Modern Art by visiting this site.
Getreidegass
Are you the type of tourist that loves to get a feel of a city’s historic past? Head on down to Getreidegass and experience a variety of activities in the city. This city offers activities for the enjoyment of tourists such as walking and biking tours, tours and sightseeing, cultural and theme tours, and multi-day extended tours.
Getreidegass is also known for having a lot of international fashion chains, dining places, and traditional shops. So if you are the type of tourist who has a passion for shopping, then do not miss the opportunity to visit the city of Getreidegasse.
DomQuartier Salzburg
For tourists who are fond of looking at exquisite and wealthy architectural structures and stepping onto the very floors in which historical events transpired, DomQuartier is the place for them. This place is riddled with magnificent rooms that were clearly enjoyed by people in the past, specifically prince-archbishops since this was their place of residence a long time ago.
The rooms feature a baroque style as well as paintings that were made by European painters during the 16th until 19th centuries. Tourists can also venture to the terrace above the Cathedral and see the jaw-dropping view of the city mountains.
Of course, there would be tours accommodating to tourists as well. The various places that would be showcased to tourists are the following:
- State Rooms of the Residenz
- Residenz Gallery
- North Oratory
- Terrace above the cathedral arches
- Long Gallery
- Cathedral Organ Loft
- Cathedral Museum
- Chamber of Arts and Wonders
- St. Peter’s Museum
To know more about pricing, events, and accessibility, you may visit this site.
For tourists who are fond of looking at exquisite and wealthy architectural structures and stepping onto the very floors in which historical events transpired, DomQuartier is the place for them. This place is riddled with magnificent rooms that were clearly enjoyed by people in the past, specifically prince-archbishops since this was their place of residence a long time ago.
The rooms feature a baroque style as well as paintings that were made by European painters during the 16th until 19th centuries. Tourists can also venture to the terrace above the Cathedral and see the jaw-dropping view of the city mountains.
Of course, there would be tours accommodating to tourists as well. The various places that would be showcased to tourists are the following:
State Rooms of the Residenz
Residenz Gallery
North Oratory
Terrace above the cathedral arches
Long Gallery
Cathedral Organ Loft
Cathedral Museum
Chamber of Arts and Wonders
St. Peter’s Museum
To know more about pricing, events, and accessibility, you may visit this site.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
For tourists that love to be enchanted by castles, the Fortress would be a spot-on destination. The Fortress was once a place wherein historical events took place. There are several highlights in the Fortress, some of which include:
A courtyard with the tiny Church of St. George.
Salzburg Bull, an organ that dates back to 1502. This is still being played to this day as well.
The Princes’ Apartments that sports a Late Gothic interior and fine painted wainscoting.
The Golden Room is home to red marble columns, blue coffered ceilings, and gold bosses.
Fortress Museum is where tourists can see the various weapons and torture devices used in the past.
Rainer Regiment Museum, a place where artifacts are shown. Said artifacts originated from the old Salzburg household regiment.
By visiting the Fortress, tourists would have the freedom to choose which tours they would like to have. There are also tours that would accommodate families and children as well.