SALZBURG MUST SEES

Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Mirabell Palace was constructed in 1606 by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich. The palace is well known for its stunning Marble Hall, which now hosts weddings, concerts, conferences, and award ceremonies. To reach the Marble Hall, you will climb up the equally gorgeous “Angel Staircase,” which is peppered with several cherubs. When you step out of the palace, you will be greeted by the beautiful Mirabell Gardens. The Pegasus Fountain and the Rose Garden were my favorite sites, but please be aware that these gardens draw a big crowd, as it was featured in “The Sound of Music”!

Salzburg Cathedral

This 17th century Baroque cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Salzburg is dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius. Salzburg Cathedral has been through fires and wars, even having been consecrated three times! If you look closely, you can find the place where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized and also where he composed some of his work! The cathedral as well as the Cathedral Square are beautiful sites to behold, but what is really special about this cathedral is the organ music played by two different organists at noon for 30 minutes! While there are no assigned seats, I would purchase your tickets in advance!

Franciscan Church

The Franciscan Church is one of the oldest churches in Salzburg, perfectly situated for any visitor, as it is in the city’s lovely Altstadt area. The interior boasts of nine different chapels, and it has a unique feature that you’ll want to find! To the lower right of the entrance door, try to spot the “Hand of Refuge.” People say that whoever touches the hand is allowed admission to the church – whether they are innocent or guilty.

St. Peter’s Abbey

Like many landmarks in Salzburg, St. Peter’s Abbey has a rich history, which kicked off during its founding in the 7th century. Music is very closely tied to Salzburg in general, and St. Peter’s is no exception. In 1769, Mozart (at just 13 years old) composed the Dominicus mass for the abbot and just a few years later, Michael Haydn wrote the Rupertus mass. There is plenty to see at the abbey, including St. Peter’s collegiate church, monastery, cemetery, and catacombs!

Stift Nonnberg

Stift Nonnberg, or Nonnberg Abbey, is a Benedictine monastery. It is most notably where the real Maria von Trapp began her story, as this is where she stayed for two years as a nun apprentice before meeting the Von Trapp family! To reach the monastery, you will need to climb the Nonnbergstiege staircase, but the climb will reward you with beautiful views looking out over the city.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

This is an impressive 11th century fortress that sits high above the city. Once within the walls of this landmark, you can visit the Castle Museum, the Armory, courtyards, and more. I would purchase the All-Inclusive ticket with fortress railway, so you are able to make the most of everything Hohensalzburg Fortress has to offer and will most importantly allow you to ascend and descend without breaking a sweat! Keep your ticket with you throughout your journey, as you will need to present it when you enter different parts of the site.

Altstadt (Old Town)

There is much to see in Salzburg’s Altstadt, and this is actually our favorite Old Town we’ve been to! Some city Old Towns are overrun with modern international brands, and while the look of the Old Town is there – none of the charm is. Other city Old Towns are packed with gimmicky souvenir shops that sell the exact same things as the shop just down the road. But not in Salzburg! Salzburg is the perfect blend of restaurants, current well-known brands, and local fare. We found a shop selling work from a local artist, plenty of Christmas shops with original hand-made ornaments, and a wood working shop. There are also notable landmarks in Old Town, such as the birthplace of Mozart, St. Peter’s Abbey, and the Franciscan Church. You can definitely spend hours wandering around!

24 HOURS IN SALZBURG

HALLSTATT MUST SEES