Salzburg Sightseeing
Salzburg Sightseeing – Introduction
You will enjoy Salzburg sightseeing, it is one of the prettiest cities in Europe. When Salzburg sightseeing make sure you leave some time to wander around its beautiful historic centre and take in some of the best example of baroque architecture going.
The name Salzburg dates back to the Middle Ages. The Mediterranean Sea once existed up to the Black Forest, and with the ‘folding’ of the mountain ranges during the last movement of the earth’s crust, large pockets of salt water was trapped.
Over the years these lakes evaporated leaving rich salt deposits in the rock - a precious commodity as a preservative during the Middle Ages - and hence the name “Salz -burg”, and the reason for the settlement’s prosperity.
The salt trade dried up around 1818, and the population explosion declined. Today the city has a population of around 150,000, and despite being occupied by the Germans in 1938, sustained little damage during WW II. It is now very popular with tourists intent of Salzburg sightseeing and looking for sights used in the Sound of Music Movie.
Salzburg Sightseeing – Mozart
Salzberg’s most famous son is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born here in 1756 (died 1791).
A great photo opportunity when Salzburg sightseeing is the statue of the composer Mozart stands in Mozartplatz, and his family home is open to the public.
He was baptized in the Old Cathedral, which has a capacity of 10,500 and was destroyed by fire in 1598 and not fully restored till 1655.
This is not to be confused with St
Peter’s Church, home to a Benedictine Monastery and where the escape scenes
from “the Sound of Music” were filmed in the graveyard. The film was set in Salzberg and Sound of
Music tours run regularly from the tourist office. A Salzburg sightseeing must.
Salzburg Sightseeing – Other Sights
Residenzplatz houses the provincial government buildings, has a 35 bell glockenspiel and is a must when Salzburg sightseeing, and is distinguished by a 40ft high fountain presenting Atlas with Triton and sea-horses.
Hohen-Salzburg Castle has been a fortress since 1077 and is the largest intact castle in central Europe due to it’s having been virtually impregnable when manned. The castle was extended between 1500 - 1681. A 16th century, 200-pipe barrel organ plays after the glockenspiel winds up (!).
My name is Robee Kann, for six years I was a tour guide throughout Europe. I loved my job and I would love to hear from you. You are most welcome to message me to say hello or request a hub about a European subject. Please look at my other hubs and leave a comment for me.
Want More About Salzburg
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