Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, a baroque city on the banks of the Salzach River, takes its name from the salt trade that brought so many riches to its former residents.

The Altstadt (old town) is wedged between the river and the 1,500 foot mountain topped with the town's castle, Fortress Hohensalzburg. It was once a Roman town (Juvavum) followed by a monastery in 700 AD. By 798 AD an archbishop resided here, and Salzburg started to become an important European economic and political center.

Wolf Dietrich, the Prince Archbishop from 1587 until 1612, was raised in Rome and decided to make Salzburg the Rome of the North. Even today you encounter fountains, churches and palaces that are reminiscent of the Eternal City.

The city's most famous resident, Mozart was born here in 1756. Salzburg has been a favorite for music lovers since his time, and today music festivals are one of the largest draws for tourism.

The film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical The Sound of Music, was set in Salzburg and has added even more musical themes to the city.

Today, the old town looks much as it did when Mozart was born. The 17th and 18th century homes line narrow streets, some of which are still paved with cobblestones. Most vehicle traffic is not allowed in the old town, creating chances for lovely strolls for pedestrians.

One of the best ways to get the feel of Salzburg is to spend some time walking the main shopping street, Getreidegasse, lined with 5 and 6 story buildings that look as though they come from a movie set. When your need a rest, order a coffee with strudel and take in the people-watching cafe life that is itself an event.

Please follow these links to read more about Sights in the Old Town and Sights Across the River and the Sound of Music.

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