Top Rated Attractions in Salzburg

Among the largest of Salzburg's magnificent churches, the splendid Salzburg Cathedral serves as the backdrop for the annual Jedermann Festival. The first church to be erected on the site dates back to the latter part of the 8th-century and was dedicated to St. Virgil and St. Rupert. The building that we see today is the third avatar of the original structure and was erected sometime between 1620 to 1628 by the acclaimed architect Santino Solari. The church witnessed its moment of glory when it was consecrated by Archbishop Paris Lodron during the tense spell of the Thirty Years' War. The cathedral can be seen from many points in the city, which makes it an unmissable sight in Salzburg.

The undefeated Hohensalzburg Fortress is the defining feature of Salzburg's skyline, towering high above the Old Town on its lofty perch atop the Mönchsberg. Originally constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, the castle was expanded over the years, taking its current form in the year 1500 under the guidance of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. Built to monumental proportions, the castle is one of Europe's largest Medieval structures, its sprawling embrace a cornucopia of Medieval artistic and architectural riches. The State Rooms and Princely Chambers are the most lavishly adorned, closely followed by the Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Rainer Regiment, the Fortress Museum and the Marionette Museum, and hosts the annual Salzburg Fortress Concerts amid the mount's ancient trees. Multimedia displays and interactive experiences bring the Medieval Era alive at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, historic Salzburg's crowning glory.

The Franziskaner Church on the corner of Franziskanergasse and Sigmund Hafner Gasse is one of Salzburg's oldest churches. The light-flooded Gothic hall dates back to 1408. Two out of the many architects can be identified on the pictures to the right of the main altar, Hans Stethaimer and Stefan Krumenauer. The high altar as it now stands was created by Fischer von Erlach. In 1670, the top of the church-tower had to be removed as it stood higher than that of the cathedral. In 1866 it was restored to its former glory. This Franciscan church is, due to its unique architectural mixture, one of the most interesting churches to visit in the city.

The Stiftskirche St. Peter, also known as St Peter's Abbey, was founded in 696 A.D. by St. Rupert. Originally built during the Romanesque period, the architecture reflects the by-gone era during which the church was constructed. Later in the 17th and 18th centuries the structure was rebuilt in an intricate Baroque style. The church is known for Mozart's ‘Mass in C Minor’, to which Constanze, his wife, sang lead soprano, which made its premier here at this church in 1783. He also directed the orchestra as well as the choir while he played his organ a number of times here for church service. Now each year when the city celebrates Salzburg's Summer Music Festival, the church plays the Mass in C Minor. The church holds a number of priceless memories and possessions such as the tomb of St. Peter, the founder, paintings by Kremser Schmidt at the alter, The Salzburg Madonna, from the 15th Century and more. Rich in history, architecture, worship, art and music, the church is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

The history of the Residence building began in 1110. In this year, Archbishop Conrad I decided to give his old quarters back to the monks of St. Peter and started building a new domicile for himself right across from the cathedral. Since then, numerous archbishops have added their own ideas. As the clerical figureheads were extremely rich, it features an abundance of gold, priceless furniture and velvet carpets. The luxurious rooms can still be viewed today. An extensive building, it offers a splendid view of the Old Town, is home to a gallery, and plays host to a number of political meetings.

In 1610, Santino Solari, the architect of the Salzburger Dom, was appointed to build a pleasure palace on the southern outskirts of the city. The result was this magnificent early baroque building, which is set in an equally magnificent park. The park, a stunning amalgamation of serene woods, verdant hills, and picturesque pathways, is now extremely popular with both tourists and locals. The Wasserspiele Hellbrunn is also located near the site and is a feast for the senses.