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Salzburg: the Baroque elegance of the Austrian Alps
Once made prosperous by the salt trade, Salzburg was transformed into an architectural gem under the auspices of the Prince-Bishops in the 17th and 18th centuries. From the medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg to the marble facades of the Residenz, Austria’s fourth city has preserved a remarkable Baroque heritage, and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Along the River Salzach, the religious buildings parade their elegance: St. Rupert’s Cathedral with its impressive monumental aspect, or St. Peter’s Abbey with its fascinating age-old frescoes. In the famous Getreidegasse shopping street, wrought-iron signs recount the history of the trading city that became a cultural capital. This was the birthplace, in the winter of 1756, of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose childhood home reveals the reminders of a life dedicated to music. On the other side of the river, the gardens of Mirabell Palace offer a captivating view of this unique skyline, where Baroque domes and bell towers are silhouetted against the backdrop of snowy Alpine peaks. Lastly, treat yourself to an indulgent break in a café to savour a genuine Salzburger Nockerl (a delicious, sugar-sprinkled soufflé representing the three hills surrounding Salzburg) and surrender to the timeless charm of this unique city.
