Best Landmarks 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.

Situated by the banks of the river Salzach, Schloss Mirabell is one of the finest medieval structures in the city. A classic example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, this building is known to have been the residence of prominent aristocrats, including King Otto of Greece. The palace is surrounded by beautiful, geometrically-shaped gardens which house sculptures and statues of characters form Greek mythology.

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.

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.

Eisriesenwelt are the largest accessible ice caves in the world. The caves are buried in the depths of the Hochkogel mountain range and the labyrinthine tunnels extend for more than 40 kilometers (24 miles). Originally discovered by Anton von Posselt in 1879, the caves only gained prominence after they were 'rediscovered' by Alexander von Mörk in the early 20th Century. It's believed that the limestone cave system has been evolving for millions of years. As the temperature within the cave is always at sub-zero, when snow melts in the spring and drips into the cavern, it cools and freezes in a variety of fascinating sculptures. A stunning example of nature's grandeur, some caves are illuminated in an ethereal blue light that filters in; others are illuminated with lamps that cast strange shadows over the walls, as they bring into focus the weird and wonderful works of natural art .

Set in the center of Altstadt, Residenzplatz is a must visit when visiting the city. Dating back to the 16th Century, it was built by the then Archbishop of Salzburg, Wolf Dietrich Raitenau. Enclosed by archiepiscopal residences, both old and new, this beautiful square is a sight to behold. Equally mesmerizing is the baroque Residenzbrunnen. The square is a popular haunt for cultural events such as the St. Rupert's Fair, open-air cinema in the summer, concerts and parties.

The city of Salzburg is forever associated with its most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The house on Getreidegasse, in which Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, is no doubt one of the city's biggest crowd-pullers. The mansion now houses the Mozart Museum, which provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the world's greatest composers. Objects on display include Mozart's violins, harpsichord and piano, as well as many other objects of memorabilia.

You can reach the karst cave and its impressive halls and stalagmite formations within a one-hour walking distance.

One can have a good look at the Lammerklamm, or 'water-mill way', with its erosions and whirlpools on sometimes very narrow boardwalks.