Salzburg Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Salzburg

Sitting atop the Fortress Mountain (Festungsberg) at an altitude of 506 meters, the mighty High Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg) dominates the skyline of Salzburg.

Archaeological findings revealed a Roman fort once present at this site. The current construction was started in 1077 by one of the city's prince-archbishops and was more a show of the Catholic Church's power and determination than anything else. Let's say that the archbishops were more businessmen and politicians than churchmen... but that sums up the Middle Ages in many places.

What started as a small castle eventually grew into a grand, whitewashed fortress – 250 meters (820 feet) long and 150 meters (490 feet) wide – making it one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, so foreboding in fact, that no army ever tried attacking it for over eight centuries.

Still, during the course of history, the fortress did see action – during the German Peasants' War in 1525 – and underwent further modifications in the Thirty Years' War (which lasted from 1618 to 1648). By the 19th century, after a stint as a military barracks and a storage depot, the fortress was decommissioned, in 1861, and opened to the public by Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef.

Being one of Europe's best-preserved castles, it has undergone significant transformations since its refurbishment in the late 19th century, including the addition of the Fortress Railway (Festungsbahn) funicular in 1892.

Inside, the fortress boasts luxurious state apartments, the Golden Hall, and the Golden Chamber, exemplifying its role as both a residence and a refuge. It features the "Salzburg Bull," a large mechanical organ, dating from 1502, that plays daily between Palm Sunday and October 31, at 7, 11, and 18 o'clock. The fortress is adorned with marble pillars, a coffered ceiling with gold stars, and a chapel with a star-vaulted ceiling. The bedchamber combines historic splendor with modern updates, showcasing precious textiles, gilded wainscoting, and a once state-of-the-art toilet...)))

On top of that, the High Salzburg Fortress offers unique panoramic views of the city, mountains, and surrounding plains, as well as cafés and a handful of museums. It’s a pleasant place to grab an ice cream cone and wander the whitewashed maze of buildings while soaking up the medieval ambiance.

Tip:
It's worth going to for the views alone, but the short guided tour is also fascinating. They do a great job telling the story of this fortress and its growth over the centuries.
Don't miss visiting the few rooms with the marionettes on display, and try to leak into the old church as well.
Although most visitors opt for the one-minute trip on the funicular, consider walking up if you are in good shape and the weather allows, as it makes the experience more enjoyable and there are some nice things to see on the way.
To save money and avoid the crowds, take advantage of online booking using the 'early bird' pricing (you'll then scan tickets from your device to get access to the site). If time allows, take advantage of dinner and the concerts which feature local musicians playing wonderful classical music from the region.

Chapter Square (Kapitelplatz), in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, is a spacious, diamond-shaped square surrounded by historical buildings. Bordering it on the north side is the Salzburg Cathedral. The Cathedral Provost's Office and the Archbishop's Palace are on the east side, while to its west are the novice's wing of Saint Peter's Monastery and the Cathedral Chapter's mills. The religious sites around the square serve as reminders of the powerful archdiocese that once ruled the city.

The square and the adjacent Chapter Lane (Kapitelgasse) are named after the Salzburg cathedral chapter, a set of canons that regulated worship services at the cathedral and in the city of Salzburg.

The Waldstein Canon House at Number 2, first mentioned in 1547, has served various purposes through the centuries, from housing the cathedral chapter's administration to serving as military and tax offices. It is now used by the Archdiocese of Salzburg. Nearby, the Number 4 Chapter House was rebuilt in its present form after a catastrophic fire in 1598. Today, this building houses the University of Salzburg’s rectorate and administrative offices.

The Salm-Firmian Canonical House at Numbers 5-7, initially designed as a hospital and later transformed into canon housing, is now a part of the university, hosting law libraries. Also noteworthy is the Cathedral Deanery at Number 6.

Significant too is the Cardinal Schwarzenberg House, which has transitioned from a granary to a "storehouse of knowledge," presently housing the cathedral archive and music rooms.

Aside from the beautiful view of High Salzburg Fortress (perfect for taking pictures), three things stand out on the square itself. These include the giant chessboard that often draws a crowd; the playful modern sculpture of the 'emotionless man' on the golden ball (called 'Sphaera') installed in 2007; and a spectacular Neptune's Fountain, built in 1732 on the site of one of the old horse ponds. Forming part of the so-called Chapter Flood (Kapitelschwemme) ensemble, the fountain shows the God of the Sea holding a trident and crown while being mounted on a seahorse spurting water. It looks a bit like a mini-version of the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, which is probably why many tourists throw coins into the shallow well.

As Salzburg's center of government, the historic Residence Square (Residenzplatz) has long been at the heart of the city, set on the site of a former Roman Forum. Originally known as Main Square (Hauptplatz), it was renamed after the Old Residence (Alte Residenz) Palace, the former dwelling of the city's rulers – prince-archbishops – located to the west.

Flanking the square on the sides are several important buildings, such as the Salzburg Cathedral (to the south), and the New Residence (Neue Residenz) to the east, with its bell tower now housing the Salzburg Museum (to the west).

The square's construction began in 1587, as part of the grand project by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau to make Salzburg the new "Rome of the North." For that purpose, some of the surrounding medieval homes, as well as the cemetery (above the ancient Roman Forum) had to be leveled.

The square's focal point is the massive central 45-foot-tall Residence Fountain (Residenzbrunnen). Completed between 1656 and 1661 by Tommaso di Garona, it is as Italian as it can be (reportedly the largest and most beautiful Baroque fountain outside of Italy). Made from Untersberg limestone, its design features a Triton statue that propels water upwards – an over-the-top version of Bernini's famous Triton Fountain in Rome.

Notably, in the movie “The Sound Of Music”, the lead character Maria sings "I Have Confidence in Me" while crossing the square by bus on her way to the Trapp villa. She's also seen playfully splashing the fountain's spouting horses.

In the more recent past, Residence Square served as a venue for major rock concerts by the likes of Joe Cocker and Tina Turner. Presently, apart from being a historical site, it is also a vibrant cultural venue hosting various events, including an open-air cinema during summer, a fair in September, and a Christmas market during Advent.

In the 2010s, the square underwent a refurbishment which included the erection of a monument to mark the 80th anniversary of the Nazi book burning that took place here in 1938.

Tip:
Grab some lunch from the nearby bakeries or shops and sit on one of the benches near the fountain, enjoying the view.

Housed in the New Residence (Neue Residenz) palace since 2005, the Salzburg Museum chronicles the artistic and cultural history of Salzburg from the days of its establishment by the Romans, around 15 BC. Originally known as the Provincial Museum (Provincialmuseum), it was established in 1834 with a collection primarily consisting of military memorabilia from the Napoleonic wars. This collection expanded after 1848 to become the official town museum.

World War II brought significant damage to the institution, with three bombs hitting it directly. But the museum recovered and re-opened in 1967. In 1997, it moved to the New Residence.

The city's dependence on salt and locally mined gold is well reflected here, just as well as its musical heritage, featuring information on both the Haydn and Mozart families, plus a large display of instruments accompanied by headphones and touchscreens to hear each instrument being played. Pride of the place, however, is given to the monumental Sattler Panorama, one of the few remaining 360-degree paintings in the world, which depicts Salzburg of 1829.

Tip:
Make sure you are given a combination ticket including the Panorama Museum – otherwise, you might not get through the turnstile in the Panorama Passage;
Thursday evening guided tours are offered (at 6 pm) with reduced admission price & changing themes.

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.

At the very heart of Salzburg's baroque historic district, the Residence Palace, also known as the Old Residence (Alte Residenz), overlooks Cathedral Square (Domplatz) and the spacious Residence Square (Residenzplatz) with its famous marble fountain. First mentioned in 1120, for centuries this place accommodated prince-archbishops of Salzburg who used it as a symbol of their political status.

The palace, in its present form, emerged at the turn of the 17th century as the home of Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the most powerful among the city's prince-archbishops. The Wallistrakt wing of the palace, added in 1604, was the accommodation extension purpose-built for him. Throughout the 18th century, additional Baroque elements and artworks enhanced the palace's grandeur. Following the secularization of Salzburg in 1803, the property served the Austrian imperial family.

The Residence Galery (Residenzgalerie), added in 1923, houses an art collection that was gathered to replace the one lost during the Napoleonic wars. The gallery's sumptuous chambers and halls showcase a magnificent cross-section of European painters from the 16th to the 19th centuries (featuring the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, and Brueghel).

Since the 1950s, the palace courtyard has provided a lovely setting for the Salzburg opera festival and is a good place to discover Mozart's lesser-known treasures.

It was in the state rooms of this palace that Mozart first performed for Salzburg's Archbishop. At the age of 14, he became the first violinist of the court orchestra, while at the age of 19, his violin concert (KV 219 in A major) was performed for the first time in the Conference Hall.

Tip:
Admission to the Residence Palace is included in the Salzburg Card if you buy it online before visiting. The tour can take two to three hours if you listen to the complete overview.
You can get an audio guide and visit many rooms within the palace (audience rooms, ballrooms, private rooms, etc.) while enjoying a superb aerial view of the square below.

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.

Saint Peter's Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter) is a Benedictine monastery and former cathedral. Considered one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, the abbey was founded in 696 by Saint Rupert. Despite challenges during the Nazi regime in 1938, the abbey maintained operation and remains active to this very day.

A marvelous steeple crowned with an onion dome gives an admirable facade to the Abbey Church. Since its dedication in 1147, this Romanesque church underwent multiple renovations, acquiring its Rococo style in 1782. The church houses significant graves, including that of Martin Luther's superior.

Saint Peter's Abbey is home to Austria's oldest library, comprising nearly 100,000 volumes. The Rococo-style library is particularly noted for its extensive collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and local history volumes, along with special collections of graphics and maps. It also contains a notable collection of music manuscripts from composers like Mozart and Haydn. Additionally, the abbey houses diverse collections of paintings and other artifacts, although some are not accessible to the public. Access to the library requires a special permit.

During his early years in Salzburg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed the Dominikus Mass for Saint Peter's Abbot Dominikus Hagenauer, in 1769. Hagenauer wrote in his diary: "Music for the Mass composed by Wolfgang Mozart, 14 years of age, was in every one's opinion most elegant. Wolfgang Mozart played on the great organ for half an hour to the astonishment of all." The composer returned to Saint Peter's in 1783 to conduct his "Mass in C minor," which is now performed at the Salzburg Festival each summer.

The abbey complex also contains a very old (established circa 700 AD) cemetery. The oldest graves in Saint Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) date back to the late 13th century. Distinguished individuals including Mozart's sister Nannerl (an accomplished musician in her own right), Joseph Haydn's brother Michael, and sculptor Josef Thorak are buried here.

The cemetery grounds are also known for the catacombs carved into rocks, which served as early Christian assembly places and hermitages. Wonderful to visit, they are filled with early altars, faded murals, and inscriptions.

In "The Sound of Music" movie, the Von Trapp family goes into hiding from the Nazis at a local cemetery. The actual scene was filmed on a Hollywood set meticulously recreating the setting inspired by Saint Peter's cemetery.

Why You Should Visit:
Everything here is free to visit except for the catacombs which cost a modest fee.

The Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) in Salzburg is a historical landmark whose roots extend back to the 8th century AD. Established during Saint Virgil's era, possibly for baptisms, the site was formally documented in 1139 as a parish church. That early structure was destroyed by fire in 1167, but the church was resiliently rebuilt. By 1208, the late Romanesque-style central nave was constructed and consecrated in 1221, marking it one of Salzburg's oldest surviving buildings.

Significant transformations occurred between the 14th and 15th centuries, including a Romanesque choir replaced by the Gothic version in 1450. A Gothic tower, added between 1468 and 1498, further enhanced the church's profile. Initially a parish church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was eventually transferred to the Franciscan Order in 1642. An interesting historical note is the shortening of the church's tower, in 1670, because it surpassed the height of the cathedral's tower; the former was restored to its neo-Gothic splendor in 1866.

The 18th century saw a stylistic shift during which the church’s interior was remodeled into a Baroque design. This era introduced the "Rosary" of chapels behind the high altar. The High Altar, crafted in 1709 from red marble and gold, features a central Madonna statue from the late Gothic period, created between 1495 and 1498. Additional artistic elements include a 12th-century marble lion on the pulpit staircase and frescoes on the triumphal arch, enriching the church's historical and artistic legacy.

A grand organ is splendidly placed in an elevated position, and the church is quite enthusiastic about its musical Masses (played each Sunday at 9 am) frequently featuring some of Mozart's compositions. With some luck, you can attend a formal organ concert or listen to the organist practice in the afternoon when you want a quiet place to rest.

Tip:
Make sure you head up towards the altar as the ceilings rise to double the height of the area where the pews are.

Every European city has what can be referred to as "the posh-café" – the one with history and elevated prices. The Café Tomaselli is the main contender for Salzburg's "posh-café" status, with a long and distinguished history going back over 300 years, allied to a good reputation and superb location. On the whole, it could easily be viewed as one of the city's best, especially in summer when it can spread out into the Old Market (Alter Markt) square, making for a perfect people-watching spot.

According to research, the origins of this coffeehouse can be traced back to 1700. Since then, the café changed hands several times, moving from its original location on Gold Lane (Goldgasse) to the Old Market in 1764. Carl Tomaselli purchased the place in 1852. In his hands, the café became renowned far beyond the borders of Salzburg.

Since the old days, celebrities such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Austrian poet and novelist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Austrian theater and film director Max Reinhardt, and world-renowned musical conductor Herbert von Karajan, among others, frequented this place. Wolfgang Amadeus, in particular, used to have his almond milk here when he was young. The proprietor, Carl Tomaselli, the son of tenor Giuseppe Tomaselli from Milan, enjoyed a close relationship with the composer's family, playing music with his father Leopold, and his sister Nannerl. Later on, Wolfgang's widow, Constanze von Nissen, also lived in the same building, from 1820 to 1826.

Magnificent wood paneling with inlays adorns the walls and takes guests back in time, as do the marble tables, silver trays, waiters in dinner jackets, and the “cake ladies” who roam around with a tray of the most delicious-looking confectionery. Only women serve the cakes, while men serve the drinks – just a bit of a nice tradition! The place exudes stylish Austrian coffeehouse culture with its vibrant sense of living history and a tempting array of sweet dishes.

Local specialties include espresso topped with whipped cream (Einspänner) and espresso topped with steamed milk froth (Melange), Esterhazy or Dobos torte, apple, curd cheese, and berry strudel, strawberry dessert, Salzburger Nockerl slice, and croissants with walnut filling, plus a variety of egg dishes.

Tip:
Ideally, take a book of Stefan Zweig, go to Tomaselli, have one of their delicious coffees and pastries, and relax...

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.

Mozart's Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus or Hagenauerhaus), located at No. 9 Grain Lane (Getreidegasse) in Salzburg, is a historic site where the celebrated composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. The Mozart family lived here from 1747 to 1773. The building, dating back to the 12th century, originally belonged to the Benedictine monks of Saint Peter's Abbey and had undergone several ownership changes before becoming the residence of the Mozarts.

Even after they gained fame, touring Europe's palaces and becoming the toast of Salzburg, the family continued living in this rather cramped apartment, as the father Leopold had no means other than the modest salary received as the Vice-Choirmaster at the Prince-Archbishop's court.

Since 1880, the site has been converted into a museum dedicated to Mozart's early life, showcasing his initial musical instruments, personal items, and interests, particularly in opera. The museum spans several floors, with the first floor recreating the living conditions of Mozart’s time, complete with period furniture, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Mozart family during the 18th century. The second floor highlights his operatic interests, including the clavichord used to compose The Magic Flute.

Notable features of the museum include an incomplete portrait of Mozart by his brother-in-law Joseph Lange, pictures from his youth, and original family letters that shed light on his familial relationships and his life in Vienna. The third floor focuses on Mozart’s childhood through displays of his violin, portraits, documents, and music editions. The building itself retains historical elements from its past, including a symbol of Asclepius from its time as an apothecary's residence.

Tip:
Salzburg Card users need not join the long ticket queue. If planning to go to the Mozart Residence (a 5-minute walk away) as well, there is a special reduced-price ticket for both museums. Do visit the gift shop, either way, as it has some unique and interesting souvenirs for those caring to look a little closer.

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.

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.