Residenzplatz, Salzburg (must see)

As Salzburg's center of government, Residenzplatz has long been flanked by important buildings: the Cathedral (to the south), the old Residence Palace of the city's rulers (to the right when facing the Cathedral), and the New Residence, with its bell tower – now housing the Salzburg Museum (to the left).

In the 1600s, during initial construction years, the surrounding medieval homes as well as the cemetery above the ancient Roman Forum all had to be leveled, as part of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich's grand vision to make Salzburg the new "Rome of the North." The square's focal point – Residenzbrunnen – is as Italian as can be, an over-the-top version of Bernini's famous Triton Fountain in Rome, said to be the largest and most beautiful baroque fountain outside of Italy.

Notice that Salzburg's buildings are made from three distinctly different types of stone. Most common is the chunky gray conglomerate (like the cathedral's side walls) quarried from the nearby cliffs. There's also white marble (like the cathedral's towers and windows) and red marble (best seen in monuments inside buildings), both from the Alps near Berchtesgaden.

***SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR***
Set on the site of a former ancient Roman Forum, this large square is the location where Maria belts out "I Have Confidence in Me" while crossing the square by bus on her way to the Trapp villa, after leaving the convent. The focal point of this square – and one of the main filming sets – is the massive central 45-foot-tall Horse Fountain (Residenzbrunnen) in which Maria playfully splashes the spouting horses.

Later in the film, Nazi soldiers march through the square against the backdrop of their flag draped over the entrance to the Old Residenz Palace on the west side. The dreary scene symbolizes German annexation of Austria, the so-called Anschluss, in March of 1938. Because of the disdain for Nazi symbols in Salzburg, filming this scene took a lot of effort.

Why You Should Visit:
Has a very beautiful fountain from the 17th century in the middle (considered one of the most significant Baroque monuments in Europe), and a perfect view of the Salzburger Dom.

Tip:
Grab some lunch from bakeries/shops nearby and sit on one of the benches near the fountain, enjoying the view.