Sitting atop the Fortress Mountain (Festungsberg) at an altitude of 506 meters, the mighty High Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg) dominates the skyline of Salzburg.

Archaeological findings revealed a Roman fort once present at this site. The current construction was started in 1077 by one of the city's prince-archbishops and was more a show of the Catholic Church's power and determination than anything else. Let's say that the archbishops were more businessmen and politicians than churchmen... but that sums up the Middle Ages in many places.

What started as a small castle eventually grew into a grand, whitewashed fortress – 250 meters (820 feet) long and 150 meters (490 feet) wide – making it one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, so foreboding in fact, that no army ever tried attacking it for over eight centuries.

Still, during the course of history, the fortress did see action – during the German Peasants' War in 1525 – and underwent further modifications in the Thirty Years' War (which lasted from 1618 to 1648). By the 19th century, after a stint as a military barracks and a storage depot, the fortress was decommissioned, in 1861, and opened to the public by Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef.

Being one of Europe's best-preserved castles, it has undergone significant transformations since its refurbishment in the late 19th century, including the addition of the Fortress Railway (Festungsbahn) funicular in 1892.

Inside, the fortress boasts luxurious state apartments, the Golden Hall, and the Golden Chamber, exemplifying its role as both a residence and a refuge. It features the "Salzburg Bull," a large mechanical organ, dating from 1502, that plays daily between Palm Sunday and October 31, at 7, 11, and 18 o'clock. The fortress is adorned with marble pillars, a coffered ceiling with gold stars, and a chapel with a star-vaulted ceiling. The bedchamber combines historic splendor with modern updates, showcasing precious textiles, gilded wainscoting, and a once state-of-the-art toilet...)))

On top of that, the High Salzburg Fortress offers unique panoramic views of the city, mountains, and surrounding plains, as well as cafés and a handful of museums. It’s a pleasant place to grab an ice cream cone and wander the whitewashed maze of buildings while soaking up the medieval ambiance.

Tip:
It's worth going to for the views alone, but the short guided tour is also fascinating. They do a great job telling the story of this fortress and its growth over the centuries.
Don't miss visiting the few rooms with the marionettes on display, and try to leak into the old church as well.
Although most visitors opt for the one-minute trip on the funicular, consider walking up if you are in good shape and the weather allows, as it makes the experience more enjoyable and there are some nice things to see on the way.
To save money and avoid the crowds, take advantage of online booking using the 'early bird' pricing (you'll then scan tickets from your device to get access to the site). If time allows, take advantage of dinner and the concerts which feature local musicians playing wonderful classical music from the region.

Saint Peter's Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter) is a Benedictine monastery and former cathedral. Considered one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world, the abbey was founded in 696 by Saint Rupert. Despite challenges during the Nazi regime in 1938, the abbey maintained operation and remains active to this very day.

A marvelous steeple crowned with an onion dome gives an admirable facade to the Abbey Church. Since its dedication in 1147, this Romanesque church underwent multiple renovations, acquiring its Rococo style in 1782. The church houses significant graves, including that of Martin Luther's superior.

Saint Peter's Abbey is home to Austria's oldest library, comprising nearly 100,000 volumes. The Rococo-style library is particularly noted for its extensive collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and local history volumes, along with special collections of graphics and maps. It also contains a notable collection of music manuscripts from composers like Mozart and Haydn. Additionally, the abbey houses diverse collections of paintings and other artifacts, although some are not accessible to the public. Access to the library requires a special permit.

During his early years in Salzburg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed the Dominikus Mass for Saint Peter's Abbot Dominikus Hagenauer, in 1769. Hagenauer wrote in his diary: "Music for the Mass composed by Wolfgang Mozart, 14 years of age, was in every one's opinion most elegant. Wolfgang Mozart played on the great organ for half an hour to the astonishment of all." The composer returned to Saint Peter's in 1783 to conduct his "Mass in C minor," which is now performed at the Salzburg Festival each summer.

The abbey complex also contains a very old (established circa 700 AD) cemetery. The oldest graves in Saint Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) date back to the late 13th century. Distinguished individuals including Mozart's sister Nannerl (an accomplished musician in her own right), Joseph Haydn's brother Michael, and sculptor Josef Thorak are buried here.

The cemetery grounds are also known for the catacombs carved into rocks, which served as early Christian assembly places and hermitages. Wonderful to visit, they are filled with early altars, faded murals, and inscriptions.

In "The Sound of Music" movie, the Von Trapp family goes into hiding from the Nazis at a local cemetery. The actual scene was filmed on a Hollywood set meticulously recreating the setting inspired by Saint Peter's cemetery.

Why You Should Visit:
Everything here is free to visit except for the catacombs which cost a modest fee.

Absolutely massive, incredibly ornate, and very welcoming towards visitors of all stripes, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is the 17th-century Baroque church of the Roman Catholic denomination. It is dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius. The former founded the church in 774 on the remnants of a Roman town, and in 1181 the cathedral was rebuilt after a fire. In the 17th century, it was completely remodeled in the Baroque style under Prince-Bishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau to its present appearance.

In 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here; the cathedral still contains the 14th-century Gothic baptismal font in which the composer was baptized (just see to the left upon entering). Famously, the grand bronze baptismal font was also used for the baptism of yet another artistic celebrity, Joseph Mohr, the Austrian writer, who wrote the words to the Christmas carol "Silent Night."

During World War II, the cathedral was damaged when a single bomb crashed through its central dome but was completely restored by 1959.

Salzburg Cathedral is framed by three arches linking it to the Residence Palace and Saint Peter's Abbey, creating an enclosed square. The cathedral's façade, made from dark grey stone with bright Untersberg marble, includes three portals leading to bronze doors, surrounded by statues of saints and topped with figures of the four evangelists and a scene of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The cathedral also houses historic bronze gates inside these portals, representing Faith, Hope, and Love, created by renowned sculptors in the mid-20th century.

The oldest bells in the cathedral are the Marien and the Virgil, both cast in 1628. The Salvator bell of the cathedral is the second largest bell in Austria, after the Pummerin bell in Vienna Cathedral.

Once inside, a number of organs are to be admired: one on each side of the high altar and a magnificent one in the rear traditional placing. Make sure to take a minute to sit in a pew and absorb everything around – you won't be disappointed. Cameras are allowed and there are some excellent photo opportunities to be had.

Tip:
Take a downward trip to the crypt – there is as much underground as above.
It is also worth attending a Sunday mass at 10 am, as you get a full orchestra and chorus.

The DomQuartier is located in the galleries of the Salzburg Cathedral. The southern oratories or galleries that house this museum have magnificent baroque décor and command spectacular views of the city and the interiors of the cathedral including the nave and aisles.

The museum was founded in 1974. The purpose was to display exhibits dedicated to the 1300-year history, life, and culture of one of the oldest archbishoprics in Europe. The collections are from the cathedral itself as well as other parish churches that came under the Archdiocese. The oratories where the museum is located were once used as chapels.

Exhibits displayed in the DomQuartier include medieval sculptures, textiles, medieval gold artifacts that formed part of the treasure owned by the archbishops, the sacred dove of Limoges, a precious jewel studded monstrance and the 8th century and St. Rupert’s Cross, the oldest exhibit in the collection. There is a cabinet of curiosities that has a collection of objects that are not related to religion like fossils, stuffed animals, and scientific instruments. The long gallery built between 1657 and 1661 has many notable religious paintings by well-known artists including the reliefs of Georg Raphael Donner and works by Johann Michael Rottmayer and Paul Troger.

Tip:
Take the audio guide (available in multiple languages with a separate guide aimed at children); each room is labeled with a number which you tap into the handset to hear the commentary.
Make sure you allow plenty of time. The audio-guide tour lasts about 1.5 hrs but you can tap in requests for additional commentary.
If you stop for a drink on the panorama terrace and include any special exhibitions, your visit could stretch to 3-4 hours.
You aren’t allowed to take photos, but you can find plenty of seats and toilets along the route.
Staff is on hand to help you stay on track and to reset the audio guide if you mess up!

Mozart Square (Mozartplatz), in the historic Old Town of Salzburg, is named after the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in the city (just a few blocks away from this place, in fact) and spent most of his first 25 years here (from 1756 to 1781).

This area was redeveloped in the early 17th century by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau and was originally known as Michael's Square (Michaelsplatz), featuring a baroque fountain with a statue of Saint Michael. The latter was eventually replaced by the Mozart Monument (Mozartdenkmal) in 1842 to mark the 50th anniversary of the composer's death.

The monument was unveiled in the presence of Mozart's two surviving sons. The Roman mosaic found on the site during the construction is seen at the base of the statue, bearing an inscription about happiness and protection from evil. The marble pedestal of the statue was a gift from King Ludwig I of Bavaria. This monument was the first sign of public recognition the great composer had received from his hometown since his untimely passing. The music festival held that year sowed the seed for what would later become the world-renowned annual Salzburg Festival.

The square is bordered by several notable buildings. On the north side (adjacent to part of the old city wall dating back to the first half of the 1600s) is the Imhofstöckl edifice housing the city's tourist information office. The New Residence (Neue Residenz) at Number 1, which hosts the Salzburg Museum, together with several 17th-century houses with uniform facades, line the other sides of the square. Notably, one of these houses was the residence of Mozart's widow, Constanze Mozart-Nissen. The square also features the Salzburg Christmas Museum and Café Glockenspiel, sharing space at Number 2.

The on-site Resistance Memorial commemorates the transnational resistance against Bavaria's Wackersdorf reprocessing plant in the late 1980s. Inaugurated in 2000, it features a section of the original fence and a green radiation sign and honors over 420,000 objectors who influenced Austria's anti-nuclear policy.

Tip:
Those looking to buy tacky souvenirs should check out the Zum Mozart shop located at one of the corners of the square.

Sometimes street and square names immediately reveal what once took place within them and became defining. So is the case with Salzburg's small and cozy Old Market (Alter Markt) square. The city’s third market square, it dates back to the 13th century. Historically, it hosted weekly markets (selling dairy, vegetables, and poultry), as well as annual Lent and Autumn markets until the late 19th century. It also hosted vibrant folk events such as the Whitsun dance and the Saint John’s bonfire.

Today, the place is encircled by baroque buildings and features the ornate Floriani fountain (Florianibrunnen) at its center. The fountain's oldest component, a delicate, ornamental metal fence was made in 1583, featuring iron figures, including horseback riders and unicorns. Replacing the original medieval draw-well, this sophisticated Baroque fountain was built in several stages.

By 1687, it had acquired a new central pillar and an octagonal marble basin adorned with rosettes and acanthus leaves. The statue of Saint Florian, added in 1734, crowns the fountain and is supposed to protect buildings from fire. Historically, this fountain was central to the annual butcher's jump ritual, marking the passage of apprentices into journeymen on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent before Easter).

The Old Market in Salzburg is characterized by its medieval core and is flanked by a row of Baroque burgher houses, with influences from the early modern period evident in its architecture. Notably, Old Market No. 3, currently a bank, sits atop Roman foundations and features a late Baroque marble portal from a former pawnshop. Old Market No. 6 and 7 have housed the Old Court Pharmacy since the 16th century, with the latter still operating today. The pharmacy's original Rococo design and late Baroque window frames are preserved, alongside historical furnishings from the 18th century. Meanwhile, House No. 7, originally late Gothic, now sports a classicist façade and a memorial plaque for Carl Petter, a notable local pharmacist. Additionally, Café Tomaselli, at Numbers 9 and 10, is the oldest continuously operating café in Central Europe. Adjacent to it stands Salzburg's smallest house, a mere 1.42 meters wide, built between 1830 and 1860.

Tip:
Have something from the many local vendors! You can try delicious local as well as other types of (inexpensive) food here.

The Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) in Salzburg is a historical landmark whose roots extend back to the 8th century AD. Established during Saint Virgil's era, possibly for baptisms, the site was formally documented in 1139 as a parish church. That early structure was destroyed by fire in 1167, but the church was resiliently rebuilt. By 1208, the late Romanesque-style central nave was constructed and consecrated in 1221, marking it one of Salzburg's oldest surviving buildings.

Significant transformations occurred between the 14th and 15th centuries, including a Romanesque choir replaced by the Gothic version in 1450. A Gothic tower, added between 1468 and 1498, further enhanced the church's profile. Initially a parish church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was eventually transferred to the Franciscan Order in 1642. An interesting historical note is the shortening of the church's tower, in 1670, because it surpassed the height of the cathedral's tower; the former was restored to its neo-Gothic splendor in 1866.

The 18th century saw a stylistic shift during which the church’s interior was remodeled into a Baroque design. This era introduced the "Rosary" of chapels behind the high altar. The High Altar, crafted in 1709 from red marble and gold, features a central Madonna statue from the late Gothic period, created between 1495 and 1498. Additional artistic elements include a 12th-century marble lion on the pulpit staircase and frescoes on the triumphal arch, enriching the church's historical and artistic legacy.

A grand organ is splendidly placed in an elevated position, and the church is quite enthusiastic about its musical Masses (played each Sunday at 9 am) frequently featuring some of Mozart's compositions. With some luck, you can attend a formal organ concert or listen to the organist practice in the afternoon when you want a quiet place to rest.

Tip:
Make sure you head up towards the altar as the ceilings rise to double the height of the area where the pews are.

The Collegiate Church was built as the place of worship for the adjacent Benedictine University. It is the finest example of Baroque architecture in Salzburg and became the model for other churches in Austria and Southern Germany.

Prince Archbishop Paris London established the Benedictine University in 1623 and made plans to build a church for the university. Renowned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach was commissioned to design the building, and the result was one of his finest works. The church was constructed between 1694 and 1707. It was used as a hay store when Napoleon’s army invaded Salzburg and was disbanded in 1810 when the city came under the Bavarian rule. During the Austro-Hungarian rule, it was a secondary school and military church. It was the venue of the Great World Theater in 1922, and in 1964 it regained its original purpose after the University of Salzburg was re-established.

The interior has a modified Greek cross plan with a convex façade. In 1740 a high altar created by Alton Pfaffinger was added with classical columns representing the seven pillars of wisdom. The altar paintings were by celebrated religious artist Johann Michael Rottmayr. The chapels inside are dedicated to the patron saints of the four university disciplines, Saint Thomas Aquinas of theology, Saint Ivo of jurisprudence, Saint Luke of medicine, and Saint Catherine of philosophy.

The Old University of Salzburg is housed in a complex of baroque buildings in the heart of the city. Mozart concerts are performed by the Salzburg Symphony Orchestra at the Grosse Aula or large auditorium located within its campus.

The Old University is a Benedictine University established in 1623 by Prince Archbishop Paris Londron. It occupied a former convent called the Women’s Garden. In 1627, architect Santoni Solari designed the present building. He also designed the Grand Aula which was the main ceremonial hall of the university. After the secularization caused by the Napoleonic Wars, the old University became a smaller liberal arts college. It regained its status as a university in the 1960s. Many of the buildings were extended and modernized in 2007. Well known buildings in the Old University are the old university library, the reading room and the University Church.

The Grosse Aula of the Old University is of great historical significance. It was here that Mozart appeared as a dancer in a school play at the age of five. In 1767, his first composition Apollo et Hyacinthus was performed in the auditorium. On his 250th birth anniversary in 2006, Apollo et Hyacinthus was performed again at the venue. Today, the Grosse Aula is only open for musical and other performances and events.

Tucked at the foot of Salzburg’s Monk’s Hill, in the city’s so-dramatic Festival District, stands what may be the world’s most flamboyant horsewash, the Horse Bath. Think of it as a 17th-century car wash, but for stallions, and with Baroque flair dialed up to eleven...

Commissioned in 1693 by Prince-Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun - who clearly thought “washing horses” deserved the same pomp as a coronation - this stone spectacle wasn’t just for rinsing hooves. Oh no. It was a declaration: Salzburg could out-fabulous your water trough any day of the week.

Water flowed in via underground Roman-era canals, modernized in medieval times - because even plumbing, in Salzburg, has a legacy. And while there were other horse baths in the city, this one was the “Versailles” of horse tubs.

Front and center is a muscular rearing steed, held in check by its handler - a powerful marble moment sculpted by Michael Bernhard Mandl. Behind them - a technicolor riot of equine frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, depicting horses in such over-the-top poses you'd think they were auditioning for an opera.

Today, the Horse Bath is a quiet gem, a stone’s throw from the Large Festival House (once the royal stables), offering a breather from Mozart-themed everything.

Film fans will also find it familiar, as the site made a brief cameo appearance in The Sound of Music. During the instrumental ending of “My Favorite Things,” Maria and the Von Trapp children pass by and splash around the fountain. Although some additional scenes filmed here didn’t make the final cut, the Horse Bath still holds a place in the movie’s visual memory.

In the end, it is both an architectural oddity and a historical gem, fully emblematic of Salzburg’s unique way of merging the everyday with the operatic. It's one part outdoor sculpture gallery, one part equine spa, and absolutely no part boring. A place where even sweaty horses got their moment in the spotlight...

The Saint Blasius Church was the church of the Burgerspital or Civic Hospital in Salzburg. It is the first hall church in the city and the naves and aisles have the same height.

In 1327, Archbishop Frederick III established a civic hospital to give shelter and serve the sick and ailing. The townsfolk provided food for the patients. The site chosen was of an old 12th century chapel dedicated to Saint Blasius, the patron saint of throat ailments. The present structure replaced the old church and was constructed between 1327 and 1350. The architect is unknown and the gothic structure is austere and unpretentious. The main altar has a classicist style with marble extensions and a crucifix group. Notable features in the interior are a giant rococo screen that separates the entrance, divided by slim octagonal columns and a wood carved gilded tabernacle located to the left of the main altar. The tabernacle dates back to 1460. It also has beautiful stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling. In the 18th century, Prince Archbishop Colleredo had parts of the church removed and only five of the original nine altars remain today.

The Saint Blasius church is the venue for lunch concerts of music written by Mozart and a buffet lunch is served for visitors.

Old Salzburg's colorful main drag, Grain Lane (Getreidegasse) has been a center of trade since Roman times. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, this historic street is famous for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, at No. 9, where he lived until the age of 17. The narrow lane is lined with high townhouses and is distinguished by its traditional wrought-iron guild signs advertising what is (or used to be) sold inside.

The street, originally named Trot Lane (Trabegasse), traces its beginnings to around 1150 when it served as a pathway from Salzburg's trade center to the suburb of Mülln. Over the centuries, its name evolved several times, reflecting its changing role in the city's economy. By the 14th century, the prince-archbishops granted the citizens staple rights, transforming the area into a vibrant trading zone and attracting Salzburg's patricians and officials who established their residences here.

Dating mainly from the 15th century, the buildings are tall and narrow because this was prime real estate, and there was nowhere to build but up. Space was always tight, as the town was squeezed between the river and the mountain, with lots of land set aside for the church. The architecture still looks much as it did in Mozart's day, though many of the buildings themselves are now inhabited by Austrian clothiers and international chain outlets. At Number 37 you will find the glamorous Goldener Hirsch hotel, a hotspot for stylish gatherings – so, if you're appropriately attired, you may wish to view the lobby and enjoy an aperitif in its gorgeous bar, the watering hole of chic Salzburg.

What was once the Salzburg quarter of prosperous medieval burghers (merchants) now bustles with the tourist trade. Today, Grain Lane forms part of a pedestrian zone and continues to be one of Salzburg's prime tourist attractions. Efforts have been made to preserve its authentic character amidst the conversion of historic residential houses into commercial premises.

Tip:
If planning some shopping for gifts, take a look in a couple of stores because they often carry similar products for different prices. Small alleys lead off the main street – do wander down these as lots of smaller shops and nice cafés can be found there.

Mozart's Birthplace (Mozarts Geburtshaus or Hagenauerhaus), located at No. 9 Grain Lane (Getreidegasse) in Salzburg, is a historic site where the celebrated composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. The Mozart family lived here from 1747 to 1773. The building, dating back to the 12th century, originally belonged to the Benedictine monks of Saint Peter's Abbey and had undergone several ownership changes before becoming the residence of the Mozarts.

Even after they gained fame, touring Europe's palaces and becoming the toast of Salzburg, the family continued living in this rather cramped apartment, as the father Leopold had no means other than the modest salary received as the Vice-Choirmaster at the Prince-Archbishop's court.

Since 1880, the site has been converted into a museum dedicated to Mozart's early life, showcasing his initial musical instruments, personal items, and interests, particularly in opera. The museum spans several floors, with the first floor recreating the living conditions of Mozart’s time, complete with period furniture, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Mozart family during the 18th century. The second floor highlights his operatic interests, including the clavichord used to compose The Magic Flute.

Notable features of the museum include an incomplete portrait of Mozart by his brother-in-law Joseph Lange, pictures from his youth, and original family letters that shed light on his familial relationships and his life in Vienna. The third floor focuses on Mozart’s childhood through displays of his violin, portraits, documents, and music editions. The building itself retains historical elements from its past, including a symbol of Asclepius from its time as an apothecary's residence.

Tip:
Salzburg Card users need not join the long ticket queue. If planning to go to the Mozart Residence (a 5-minute walk away) as well, there is a special reduced-price ticket for both museums. Do visit the gift shop, either way, as it has some unique and interesting souvenirs for those caring to look a little closer.

The Dance Master's House (Tanzmeisterhaus), more popularly known as the Mozart Residence (Mozart-Wohnhaus), was once the home of Leopold Mozart and his family, from 1773 to 1787. Here, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived from ages 17 to 25. Located at Makart Square (Makartplatz) Number 8, this building, first documented in 1617, is now a museum.

Originally used by the court dancing master, this house was a venue for dance lessons for nobles. It came to be known as the Dance Master's House by 1713. After several ownership changes, it became the residence of the Mozart family in 1773, who moved here as their place in Grain Lane was no longer adequate for their needs. It was here, in the spacious apartment on the first floor, that the Mozart family would host social gatherings appropriately and where Wolfgang himself stayed until he moved to Vienna in 1781. Leopold Mozart continued to live here until his death in 1787.

The building was partially destroyed by bombs in 1944, but the consequent restoration in the 1950s preserved its late 18th-century stucco decoration. The on-site museum, opened in 1996, showcases musical instruments, documents, and the relocated Magic Flute House (Zauberflötenhäuschen), where Mozart reportedly composed his "The Magic Flute" opera.

A large painting of the family shows the prodigy with his father on the violin and his sister at the piano, while the mother – who had sadly died two years earlier in Paris – is portrayed separately above the threesome. Elsewhere, you'll see three circular targets high on the wall and the air rifle that the Mozarts used to shoot at them in the glass case nearby. These are just some of the marvelous artifacts displayed in the rooms.

Highlights include a screen presentation of Mozart's extensive travels throughout Europe initiated by his father, who was convinced they were essential to enlighten and humanize his prodigy son. In another room, you might be interested in the audio guide's explanation of how Leopold helped to immerse Wolfgang in playing music and later promoted his talented son. The last room has extensive information about how the "Mozart" name has been used for profit, and the one before it shows fraudulent portraits of Mozart throughout the years.

The museum is open daily: from 9 am to 5:30 pm (September through June); and from 8:30 am to 7 pm (July through August). The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Mirabell Palace: part love story, part symphony, part surreal garden party. Here, Baroque drama meets soap opera realness and UNESCO-approved elegance. Originally constructed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau - who wasn’t just building a palace, but also a very fancy love nest for himself and his mistress - this place has always known how to turn heads.

After Wolf got the boot in 1612 (through palace intrigue), his successor renamed it Mirabell - meaning “wonderful” in Italian, which, come to think of it, is a bit more subtle than “Archbishop’s Love Shack.” The whole palace got a glitzy Baroque makeover between 1721 and 1727, and later a Neoclassical facelift - because palaces, of all properties, do need to keep up appearances...

Step inside and brace yourself for the grand staircase - or the 'staircase of thunder' if you like: with sweeping curves, angelic sculptures, and a shine so dramatic it practically sings. At the top of it is the Marble Hall. Mozart played here. You won’t. But you could get married here - if you book a few years ahead and maybe win a small lottery...

Fun fact: Hitler’s sister-in-law tied the knot here in 1944, with some disturbingly famous guests in attendance. But don’t let that kill the vibe - today, it’s more Mozart concerts and Instagram moments than fascist footnotes.

Venture further and you'll find a chapel dressed in Baroque finery, with statues so saintly they might just bless your photo.

Outside, the gardens are a mythological fever dream. Statues of Hercules, Aeneas, and Pluto look on, while the flower beds explode in geometric perfection - a riot of color that makes your eyeballs do pirouettes. At the center of it is the Pegasus Fountain, a scene-stealer from The Sound of Music’s “Do Re Mi.” Yes, that very one...

Climb the steps like a Von Trapp child chasing high notes, peek into the vine tunnel and hedge maze, and finish at Dwarf Park - where a regiment of lumpy marble gnomes stares you down with all the charm of a slightly haunted chess set.

And beyond it all, the High Salzburg Fortress, sitting smugly on its hilltop, watches centuries go by.