Old University, Salzburg

The Old University of Salzburg is housed in a complex of baroque buildings in the heart of the city. Mozart concerts are performed by the Salzburg Symphony Orchestra at the Grosse Aula or large auditorium located within its campus.

The Old University is a Benedictine University established in 1623 by Prince Archbishop Paris Londron. It occupied a former convent called the Women’s Garden. In 1627, architect Santoni Solari designed the present building. He also designed the Grand Aula which was the main ceremonial hall of the university. After the secularization caused by the Napoleonic Wars, the old University became a smaller liberal arts college. It regained its status as a university in the 1960s. Many of the buildings were extended and modernized in 2007. Well known buildings in the Old University are the old university library, the reading room and the University Church.

The Grosse Aula of the Old University is of great historical significance. It was here that Mozart appeared as a dancer in a school play at the age of five. In 1767, his first composition Apollo et Hyacinthus was performed in the auditorium. On his 250th birth anniversary in 2006, Apollo et Hyacinthus was performed again at the venue. Today, the Grosse Aula is only open for musical and other performances and events.