Musical history in Salzburg
Text and photos by Albert Alvarez
Two main things come to mind when I think of Salzburg, namely, Mozart and the movie, Sound of Music. It is a wonder that we have come to associate these two musical giants with such a small and quaint city.
The name Salzburg literally means “Salt Castle”, and originates from the barges that carried salt along the river of Salzach.
The beauty of Salzburg has definitely captured my attention because my first visit was not enough.
The harmonious blend of a large city within the cascade of rolling hills and historical landmarks can be inspiring and merely breathtaking.
Divided into the old part of town and the newer part by the river Salzach, getting around both parts can easily be done on foot, but if you wish to take the bus, I suggest getting a day pass or a week pass.
Accommodations are plentiful and varied. You can find some of these at their tourism website, www2.salzburg.info.
There are many beautiful sights to see here. For starters, visit the old town of Salzburg which was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
At the old town, you will see Salzburg Cathedral, Fortress Hohensalzburg, Franziskanerchurch, St.Peter cemetery, Nonnberg Abbey, “Residenz” Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace and Getreidegasse. You will also find the tourist office at the Residence Square, where more information can be easily attained.
At the other side of the river Salzach is the Mirabell Palace, where a few scenes of the Sound of Music were filmed. This is a beautiful castle with gardens, built by an archbishop for his beloved courtesan. Don’t miss the “Garden of Dwarves” and the Garden of Roses on the palace grounds.
A short walk from Mirabell Palace will take you to St. Sebastian Cemetery, which has the grave of Mozart’s wife Constanze Weber-Nissen.
Although not within the historic center, but a short bus ride away, is the Hellbrunn Castle. This was once an archbishop’s summer palace with lots of trick fountains and amazing gardens.
Prepare to get wet with the tricky water fountains all over the park.
The famous “house” which was also seen in the film Sound of Music is the Leopoldskron Palace, a national historic monument in Leopoldskron-Moos area.
A fun place to see interesting shops would be Getreidegasse, a long narrow street in the centre of town, famous for the old-style signs of profession outside each store.
I particularly enjoyed the year-round Christmas shops.
Mozartkugeln, or “Mozart balls”, are chocolate candies inspired by the famous composer, Mozart.
Coming back to Salzburg only confirmed my desire to see more of this beautiful city.
I can keep coming back to such a picturesque and serene place which is no wonder why many keep returning as well.