Mozart Square (Mozartplatz), in the historic Old Town of Salzburg, is named after the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in the city (just a few blocks away from this place, in fact) and spent most of his first 25 years here (from 1756 to 1781).

This area was redeveloped in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau and was originally known as Michael's Square (Michaelsplatz), featuring a baroque fountain with a statue of Saint Michael. The latter was eventually replaced by the Mozart Monument (Mozartdenkmal) in 1842 to mark the 50th anniversary of the composer's death.

The monument was unveiled in the presence of Mozart's two surviving sons. The Roman mosaic found on the site during the construction is seen at the base of the statue, bearing an inscription about happiness and protection from evil. The marble pedestal of the statue was a gift from King Ludwig I of Bavaria. This monument was the first sign of public recognition the great composer had received from his hometown since his untimely passing. The music festival held that year sowed the seed for what would later become the world-renowned annual Salzburg Festival.

The square is bordered by several notable buildings. On the north side (adjacent to part of the old city wall dating back to the first half of the 1600s) is the Imhofstöckl edifice housing the city's tourist information office. The New Residence (Neue Residenz) at Number 1, which hosts the Salzburg Museum, together with several 17th-century houses with uniform facades, line the other sides of the square. Notably, one of these houses was the residence of Mozart's widow, Constanze Mozart-Nissen. The square also features the Salzburg Christmas Museum and Café Glockenspiel, sharing space at Number 2.

The on-site Resistance Memorial commemorates the transnational resistance against Bavaria's Wackersdorf reprocessing plant in the late 1980s. Inaugurated in 2000, it features a section of the original fence and a green radiation sign and honors over 420,000 objectors who influenced Austria's anti-nuclear policy.

Tip:
Those looking to buy tacky souvenirs should check out the Zum Mozart shop located at one of the corners of the square.

Absolutely massive, incredibly ornate, and very welcoming towards visitors of all stripes, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is the 17th-century Baroque church of the Roman Catholic denomination. It is dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius. The former founded the church in 774 on the remnants of a Roman town, and in 1181 the cathedral was rebuilt after a fire. In the 17th century, it was completely remodeled in the Baroque style under Prince-Bishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau to its present appearance.

In 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here; the cathedral still contains the 14th-century Gothic baptismal font in which the composer was baptized (just see to the left upon entering). Famously, the grand bronze baptismal font was also used for the baptism of yet another artistic celebrity, Joseph Mohr, the Austrian writer, who wrote the words to the Christmas carol "Silent Night."

During World War II, the cathedral was damaged when a single bomb crashed through its central dome but was completely restored by 1959.

Salzburg Cathedral is framed by three arches linking it to the Residence Palace and Saint Peter's Abbey, creating an enclosed square. The cathedral's façade, made from dark grey stone with bright Untersberg marble, includes three portals leading to bronze doors, surrounded by statues of saints and topped with figures of the four evangelists and a scene of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The cathedral also houses historic bronze gates inside these portals, representing Faith, Hope, and Love, created by renowned sculptors in the mid-20th century.

The oldest bells in the cathedral are the Marien and the Virgil, both cast in 1628. The Salvator bell of the cathedral is the second largest bell in Austria, after the Pummerin bell in Vienna Cathedral.

Once inside, a number of organs are to be admired: one on each side of the high altar and a magnificent one in the rear traditional placing. Make sure to take a minute to sit in a pew and absorb everything around – you won't be disappointed. Cameras are allowed and there are some excellent photo opportunities to be had.

Tip:
Take a downward trip to the crypt – there is as much underground as above.
It is also worth attending a Sunday mass at 10 am, as you get a full orchestra and chorus.

The Residence Gallery (Residenzgalerie), a state-owned institution, showcases paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It has a historical connection to the painting collection of Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, which was displayed in the same rooms during the late 18th century. However, during the French Wars after 1800, the collection was repeatedly looted. Consequently, in the monarchy era, many of the paintings were relocated from Salzburg to Vienna.

The Czernin Collection, which is the focal point of the Residence Gallery, was initially on loan but was eventually purchased between 1980 and 1991. The paintings by 17th-century artists are primarily Dutch but also include Italian, Spanish, and French works. Count Johann Rudolf Czernin von und zu Chudenitz, a law student in Salzburg and a relative of Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, assembled the collection between 1800 and 1845. The gallery acquired several significant works on permanent loan from the collection of Friedrich Karl, Count Schönborn-Buchheim (1674–1746) in 1956, which mainly feature Dutch and Italian artists of the 17th century.

Why You Should Visit:
Although quite small compared to other famous museums or galleries, the collection is very well curated. The audio-guided tour around the whole complex is very well organized and informative. Each of the items not mentioned in the audio guide has an English explanation on the wall.

Salzburg's Old Town, also known as Altstadt or the Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site that covers a vast area featuring numerous landmarks. It encompasses the left and right banks of the Salzach river, the inner Nonntal area, the Festungsberg hill, the Kapuzinerberg hill, and the Mönchsberg Mountain. To ensure the preservation of the ancient buildings, the area is highly regulated, and most of Salzburg's tourist attractions are found within the Old Town.

UNESCO recognized the Old Town as a cultural heritage site in 1996, emphasizing its significance as the residence of Prince Archbishops and as a spiritual center of Central Europe dating back to the earliest days of Western-Christian culture. The skyline of the Old Town is defined by the spires and cupolas of numerous churches, and the colorful Baroque facades of burgher houses line the narrow lanes and small squares of the Old Town on both sides of the Salzach river. The Old Town has a Baroque appearance due to the work of Italian architects Vincenzo Scamozzi and Santino Solari. Furthermore, it is a unique Old Town that embodies the spirit of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, music traditions, and the Salzburg Festival.

The historic center is home to several landmarks, including the recognizable Fortress Hohensalzburg, the magnificent Baroque Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Virgil, the vast Residence Square (Residenzplatz) surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings, the 17th-century Mirabell Palace and Gardens, one of the most exquisite gardens in Salzburg, the 7th-century St. Peter's Abbey, one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in Austria, and Mozart's Birthplace, the house where the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and spent his early years, now converted into a museum displaying many of Mozart's personal belongings, including his childhood violin.

The Old Town of Salzburg is home to many stunning historic sites and monuments, each providing a unique insight into the rich history and culture of this beautiful city, and it is worth a visit.

Sometimes street and square names immediately reveal what once took place within them and became defining. So is the case with Salzburg's small and cozy Old Market (Alter Markt) square. The city’s third market square, it dates back to the 13th century. Historically, it hosted weekly markets (selling dairy, vegetables, and poultry), as well as annual Lent and Autumn markets until the late 19th century. It also hosted vibrant folk events such as the Whitsun dance and the Saint John’s bonfire.

Today, the place is encircled by baroque buildings and features the ornate Floriani fountain (Florianibrunnen) at its center. The fountain's oldest component, a delicate, ornamental metal fence was made in 1583, featuring iron figures, including horseback riders and unicorns. Replacing the original medieval draw-well, this sophisticated Baroque fountain was built in several stages.

By 1687, it had acquired a new central pillar and an octagonal marble basin adorned with rosettes and acanthus leaves. The statue of Saint Florian, added in 1734, crowns the fountain and is supposed to protect buildings from fire. Historically, this fountain was central to the annual butcher's jump ritual, marking the passage of apprentices into journeymen on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent before Easter).

The Old Market in Salzburg is characterized by its medieval core and is flanked by a row of Baroque burgher houses, with influences from the early modern period evident in its architecture. Notably, Old Market No. 3, currently a bank, sits atop Roman foundations and features a late Baroque marble portal from a former pawnshop. Old Market No. 6 and 7 have housed the Old Court Pharmacy since the 16th century, with the latter still operating today. The pharmacy's original Rococo design and late Baroque window frames are preserved, alongside historical furnishings from the 18th century. Meanwhile, House No. 7, originally late Gothic, now sports a classicist façade and a memorial plaque for Carl Petter, a notable local pharmacist. Additionally, Café Tomaselli, at Numbers 9 and 10, is the oldest continuously operating café in Central Europe. Adjacent to it stands Salzburg's smallest house, a mere 1.42 meters wide, built between 1830 and 1860.

Tip:
Have something from the many local vendors! You can try delicious local as well as other types of (inexpensive) food here.

The Dance Master's House (Tanzmeisterhaus), more popularly known as the Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus), was once the home of Leopold Mozart and his family, from 1773 to 1787. Here, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived from ages 17 to 25. Located at Makart Square (Makartplatz) Number 8, this building, first documented in 1617, is now a museum.

Originally used by the court dancing master, this house was a venue for dance lessons for nobles. It came to be known as the Dance Master's House by 1713. After several ownership changes, it became the residence of the Mozart family in 1773, who moved here as their place in Grain Lane was no longer adequate for their needs. It was here, in the spacious apartment on the first floor, that the Mozart family would host social gatherings appropriately and where Wolfgang himself stayed until he moved to Vienna in 1781. Leopold Mozart continued to live here until his death in 1787.

The building was partially destroyed by bombs in 1944, but the consequent restoration in the 1950s preserved its late 18th-century stucco decoration. The on-site museum, opened in 1996, showcases musical instruments, documents, and the relocated Magic Flute House (Zauberflötenhäuschen), where Mozart reportedly composed his "The Magic Flute" opera.

A large painting of the family shows the prodigy with his father on the violin and his sister at the piano, while the mother – who had sadly died two years earlier in Paris – is portrayed separately above the threesome. Elsewhere, you'll see three circular targets high on the wall and the air rifle that the Mozarts used to shoot at them in the glass case nearby. These are just some of the marvelous artifacts displayed in the rooms.

Highlights include a screen presentation of Mozart's extensive travels throughout Europe initiated by his father, who was convinced they were essential to enlighten and humanize his prodigy son. In another room, you might be interested in the audio guide's explanation of how Leopold helped to immerse Wolfgang in playing music and later promoted his talented son. The last room has extensive information about how the "Mozart" name has been used for profit, and the one before it shows fraudulent portraits of Mozart throughout the years.

The museum is open daily: from 9 am to 5:30 pm (September through June); and from 8:30 am to 7 pm (July through August). The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell) in Salzburg is a renowned cultural heritage monument and part of Salzburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built around 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the palace was intended as a residence for him and his mistress and was constructed based on Italian and French designs.

The palace underwent significant transformations after Raitenau's deposition in 1612. His successor renamed it Mirabell, which means "amazing" or "wonderful" in Italian. From 1721 to 1727, it was extensively rebuilt in a Baroque style. Further changes gave the building its Neoclassical appearance.

Upon entry, you will be stunned by its 'staircase of thunder' – an elaborate, curved, shiny affair that leads up to the Marble Hall, full of angel sculptures and excessive stucco work.

The Marble Hall inside the palace is notable for hosting "Salzburg Palace Concerts" and weddings, including the 1944 marriage of Gretl Braun, sister of Eva Braun (Hitler's mistress), attended by notable Nazi figures. Aside from enjoying a reputation as one of the most sought-after wedding halls in the world (bookable up to two years in advance), the Marble Hall hosts frequent nightly Mozart concerts and the master himself used to “tickle the ivories” there.

Off to the side, you'll find a striking chapel with a vaulted ceiling and baroque statues of Saint Augustine and others.

The palace's gardens feature a mixture of mythology-themed statues from 1730 and four groups of sculpture (Aeneas, Hercules, Paris, and Pluto) created in 1690. The stunning scenery is further accentuated by geometrically structured garden beds, with multi-colored flowers blasting your eyeballs from every perspective.

In the middle of it all is the Pegasus Fountain which makes a memorable "The Sound of Music" shooting location for the “Do Re Mi” song. Nearest to the horse, stairs lead to the creepy Dwarf Park, where a herd of misshapen, sizable dwarfs sculptured in marble are all lined up in military formation. Visitors can also explore the vine tunnel and hedge maze, echoing scenes from the film. As a dramatic finale, you can follow the steps that the Von Trapp kids from the movie hopped up like musical notes and enjoy a spectacular view of the High Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg) framed by the garden.

Old Salzburg's colorful main drag, Grain Lane (Getreidegasse) has been a center of trade since Roman times. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, this historic street is famous for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at No. 9, where he lived until the age of 17. The narrow lane is lined with high townhouses and is distinguished by its traditional wrought-iron guild signs advertising what is (or used to be) sold inside.

The street, originally named Trot Lane (Trabegasse), traces its beginnings to around 1150 when it served as a pathway from Salzburg's trade center to the suburb of Mülln. Over the centuries, its name evolved several times, reflecting its changing role in the city's economy. By the 14th century, the prince-archbishops granted the citizens staple rights, transforming the area into a vibrant trading zone and attracting Salzburg's patricians and officials who established their residences here.

Dating mainly from the 15th century, the buildings are tall and narrow because this was prime real estate, and there was nowhere to build but up. Space was always tight, as the town was squeezed between the river and the mountain, with lots of land set aside for the church. The architecture still looks much as it did in Mozart's day, though many of the buildings themselves are now inhabited by Austrian clothiers and international chain outlets. At Number 37 you will find the glamorous Goldener Hirsch hotel, a hotspot for stylish gatherings – so, if you're appropriately attired, you may wish to view the lobby and enjoy an aperitif in its gorgeous bar, the watering hole of chic Salzburg.

What was once the Salzburg quarter of prosperous medieval burghers (merchants) now bustles with the tourist trade. Today, Grain Lane forms part of a pedestrian zone and continues to be one of Salzburg's prime tourist attractions. Efforts have been made to preserve its authentic character amidst the conversion of historic residential houses into commercial premises.

Visitors can also encounter the "puppet woman" (Marionettenfrau), a local figure selling puppets since 1987, adding a unique cultural touch to the street.

Tip:
If planning some shopping for gifts, take a look in a couple of stores because they often carry similar products for different prices. Small alleys lead off the main street – do wander down these as lots of smaller shops and nice cafés can be found there.