Salzburg is a city of approximately 150,000 inhabitants and is situated in the Salzburg Basin, close to the German border. After Vienna, Graz and Linz, it is the fourth largest city in Austria. You can find a wealth of exceptional sights here. Many of them are unique in Europe, so it is worth thoroughly exploring the historic part of Salzburg. We hope that the following article will help you in choosing places of interest.

Mozart House

Without a doubt, one of the sights where your steps must be directed is the Mozart House. It is one of the most important monuments in Salzburg and, we are not afraid to say, in the whole of Austria. It is a place of pilgrimage for both music lovers and history enthusiasts.

If you are interested, you can pay for an hour or so tour of the museum. Inside you will find a number of unique exhibits. From original documents, letters, memorabilia, to a collection of portraits taken during Mozart's lifetime. The Mozart House can be found at Getreidegasse 9.

Mirabell Castle and the adjacent gardens

The most beautiful view of Salzburg's landmarks can be experienced from Mirabell Castle. The castle with its breathtaking gardens is one of the most magical places in the city. You can find it on the right bank of the Salzah River. The construction of the castle began in 1606 at the initiative of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. Today, the offices of the Mayor of Salzburg and the Salzburg City Hall are located inside the castle. The castle also includes the Marble Hall, where concerts and wedding ceremonies are held.

The adjacent castle garden certainly plays its part in the beauty of Mirabel Castle. It was created around 1690. It is known for its beautifully landscaped ornamental beds and numerous statues.

Salzburg Fortress Hohensalzburg

Hohensalzburg Castle is undoubtedly one of the landmarks of Salzburg. This monumental fortress towers over the city on the Mönchsberg. The castle was built in 1077 and has been expanded ever since. Today, according to some sources, it is the largest surviving castle in Central Europe, although it does not reach the size of the Prague Castle complex.

The castle can be reached on foot, but those who like more comfort can use the cable car. It leads up to the southern courtyard. The multimedia Magic Theatre and numerous media stations can be found in the castle complex. Every Sunday at 11:45 you can also catch trumpeters on one of the baroque towers and festive processions in the courtyard. Not only that, but from the ramparts you can enjoy a magnificent view of the historic part of Salzburg. If you look on the other side of the castle you will see a large meadow with a small house in the middle. The meadow is called the Green Hill in Salzburg and the small house is the Green Field Keeper's House.

Nonnberg Monastery

The monastery stands on a slightly elevated site at the foot of the same mountain as Hohensalzburg Castle. Nonnberg is famous for its Gothic architecture, murals and small artistic features. Here you can find a statue of the Virgin Mary, which dominates the monastery church, or a crypt with free-standing columns bearing a Gothic ribbed vault.

The monastery can be reached either via the very steep Hoher Weg or the narrow Nonnberggasse. The church is open daily from 6:45am until sunset (7pm in summer). Exceptions are church services, when it is not possible to arrange a tour. If you want to see the frescoes in the "Paradise" you must ask for a key at the monastery gate.

Residential square and fountain

You will find the square in the heart of the historic part of Salzburg. It is lined with the residences of Salzburg's princely archbishops, the cathedral, and a long row of townhouses. The square was founded in the 16th century, when a total of five squares were built during the reign of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich of Raitenau.

In the 17th century a residential fountain was built, which will catch your attention with its baroque style. On the fountain you can find four sea eagles jumping out of the rock and an equal number of men supporting a circular stone bowl. Above the bowl are three dolphins holding a bowl of water in the shape of a shell. At the very top of the fountain stands the majestic Triton.

Natural History and Technical Museum

If you've had your fill of sightseeing, you can visit the "Haus der Natur" Natural History and Technical Museum. In this type of museum, you won't just find dry facts and a plethora of tables of text; rather, you'll be amazed at how everything overflows with life. You can find aquariums revealing the mysterious world in the depths, coral sharks or coral reefs. In the Science Center you have the opportunity to learn about many scientific disciplines in a playful and comprehensible way at dozens of stations. Perhaps that's why the "Haus der Natur" is one of Salzburg's most sought-after attractions.

We definitely recommend a visit to all these places. Each of them has a specific charm and a unique atmosphere. We hope you enjoy your stay in Salzburg and let yourself be absorbed by its rich history.