Salzburg attractions: A birthplace of geniuses

Автор: Anna Alliain 11.05.2021 | travel, Austria

Here were born composer Mozart and poet Georg Trakl, here Haydn wrote his operas, and many other famous people are connected with Salzburg. But only a small part of local attractions is linked to these geniuses. A city with a fairly small population, thanks to its memorable places was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

Holders of the Salzburg Card enjoy free admission to all the sights in the City of Mozart, free use of the public transportation network and numerous other plus points and advantages like a discount on bike rent. The card will be profitable for those who plan to visit more than two sites since admission to most of them costs about 10 euros.

Price of Salzburg card for 1 day is 26 euros, for 2 days it costs 34 euros, and 3 days would cost 39 euros. In the cold season there is a discount from 3 to 5 euros. The card can be bought at the hotel, tourists information desk, machines for public transport.

The great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in this city and spent a considerable time of his life. There are two house-museums connected with his name.Photo lonelyplanet.com

The house where Mozart was born is on Getreidegasse street. This narrow pedestrian street is the most famous in Salzburg. It is teemed with old medieval houses significant by their interesting architecture. One of them, under number 9 is the house where Mozart was born. His parents settled in a modest apartment with a single bedroom on the 4th floor immediately after their wedding. The composer wrote his first masterpieces there.

See also: We were there: Vienna

Now this house-museum exhibits the first violin and viola of young Mozart, family portraits, letters and some household items. In addition, the exhibition presents staging props of his first operas.

When Wolfgang was 17 years old, the family moved into a spacious apartment on Makartplatz 8. Today it is a museum which preserved family life environment. In this house Mozart wrote Re Pastore, La Finta Giardiniera, Idomeneo, symphonies, arias, masses and many other works.Photo booking.com

In the 70s of the 18th century, when the composer's family lived there, the street was called Galibalplatts. Inside the house there were huge ballrooms where royal representatives were taught. There the Mozarts rented 8 rooms, including a large hall. They loved welcoming guests, hosting musical concerts. Such home gatherings were attended by brothers Haydn and Emanuel Schikaneder (author of the libretto of The Magic Flute).

Both museums can be visited with one ticket at 17 euros. Each of them separately costs 10 euros. Salzburg card allows you to do this for free.

Summer Palace by Mount Hellbrunn, built in 1615 just in a few months to a matter of urgency on the order of Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. Now the palace is named after the mountain, the Prince called it Villa suburbana. Its author was the famous architect Santino Solari.

Passion of the Archbishop was Italian art. Therefore, he demanded from the architect monumental building, chic and unique design, following the best traditions of the architecture of southern Europe. And so it was, now summer residence of Sittikus is one of the most luxurious buildings in the Renaissance style. A special highlight of the palace is the world's only trick fountains.
Photo gasthaus-hellbrunn.at

It is not known why the system of Hellbrunn fountains is called "trick". But I think the solution lies in their purpose. The fact is that it is an attraction and decorative element of huge park residence zone. Many water conduits are hidden away in the greenery, in sculptures and other facilities, creating certain compositions. A water conduit sprays water suddenly depending on changes of light and shadow.

Residence is surrounded by park with outstanding compositions. And here is the oldest open-air theatre in Europe, carved from natural stone quarry. Previously Hellbrunn Palace enjoyed grand receptions. Nowadays accepts guided tours and hosts international conferences, various social events.

How to get there? The Palace is just 7 km away from the city: 37 Fürstenberg street. It can be reached by bus #25, but personally I would rather walk there that takes about one hour only. Ticket price is 9.5 euros. With Salzburg card it is free of charge.Photo thenaturaladventure.com

There are more than 800 animals. The unique feature of the zoo is that many exotic animals live there in their natural living conditions. The zoo combines properties of Hellbrunn landscape with a familiar habitat of animals of different areas. Thus, wild life feels home in the zoo.

For instance, rhinos and antelopes are in the zone of the African savannah. Areas, similar to latitude of Eurasia, are inhabited by bears, otters, marmots, lynxes and chamoix. Guides tell not only about animals, but also about other living organisms relevant to natural areas.Photo flexitreks.com

A visit to the Salzburg Zoo takes about a day in order to leisurely explore all areas of vast landscapes. Here you can also have a picnic.

How to get there? Address: 1 Landesstrasse street. From the centre you should go by bus #25 to the stop Salzburg Alpenzoo.

It was just a small part of the attractions of Salzburg. If you are interested in a varied cultural holiday, this comfortable and welcoming city is a perfect destination.

Cover photo itinari.com