The White Crown. 👑
Built in 1077 to protect the archbishops from kings and peasants alike. It is the largest fully preserved fortress in Central Europe and was never conquered by force.
Golden Chamber
The "Goldene Stube" is mind-blowing. A medieval room covered in gold leaf and royal blue lapis lazuli. It features a giant ceramic stove that looks like a cathedral.
The Bull
The "Salzburg Bull" is a massive mechanical organ from 1502. It roars out a chord every morning to wake the city.
The Cathedral. ⛪
The most important piece of early Baroque architecture north of the Alps. It holds 10,000 people.
The Font
Just inside the entrance is a 14th-century bronze baptismal font. Mozart was baptized in this exact water in 1756.
The Dome
Look up. The dome was destroyed by a bomb in WWII and rebuilt. The transition between the dark nave and the light-filled dome symbolizes the journey to heaven.
The Organs
There are five organs in the cathedral. When they are all played together during festivals, the sound makes your chest vibrate.
Catacombs
Carved in Rock
St. Peter's Cemetery. ⚰️
The oldest Christian cemetery in Austria. The graves are mini-gardens, lovingly tended by families with iron crosses and candles.
The Catacombs:
Climb the stone stairs carved directly into the Mönchsberg cliff face. Early Christians hid here. The view down onto the cemetery is hauntingly beautiful.
Getreide Gasse. 🗝️
The most famous shopping street in Austria. Even McDonald's must have a wrought-iron guild sign here to blend in with the history.
Through-Houses
The buildings here have "Durchhäuser" (through-houses). These are public arcades that cut through the buildings to the river or the next street. They are full of hidden art galleries and cafes.
Look Up
The intricate wrought-iron signs date back to the Middle Ages when many people couldn't read. A boot meant shoemaker; a pretzel meant baker.