Salzburg in Austria – Mozart’s Birthplace

Just after we had celebrated World Music Day, 2021, I thought of bringing to you stories of Austria's Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on the 27th of January, 1756, in the Classical Period, is considered one of the World's best music composers. Music is beyond entertainment. Music heals. So every year, World Music Day is celebrated on the 21st of June with the primary aim of providing free music to everyone.

Salzburg has a fairy tale setting, with castles, palaces, gardens, squares and fountains. It is also blessed with ample nature's bliss. The Salzach River flowing through the city and the snow-covered Austrian alps far off, make it look like one out of the storybooks. Let's virtually tour Mozart's birthplace, of course beginning with the house of Salzburg's most popular resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Mozart's Resident

Mozart's resident is of prime attraction at Mozart's Birthplace. The famous address is ‘No.9 Getreidagasse' which is now a museum, ‘Mozarts Geburtshaus'. It is one of Austria's most visited museums. The third floor of the building is where the great musician lived for 17 years. This preserves the articles used by the family in daily life. Musical instruments from Mozart's childhood are displayed here. The museum has some of his musical instruments used in famous concerts and even some which he used to compose popular symphonies.

Getreidagasse

Speaking of Getreidagasse, enjoy shopping and eating in this old and popular part of the city. The Altstadt or the old town of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the world's best-preserved old town centres. The Baroque and Medieval architecture reflect their histories. The colourful doors and windows of the buildings are unique and attractive. The market boutiques and antique stores still preserve the age-old art and culture. Do not miss coffee and desserts (especially traditional Salzburg Nockerl) at the roadside cafeterias. Salzburg is also beer heaven. Mozart's birthplace is a symphony for taste buds too.

Mozartplatz Square

Wherever you go in Mozart's birthplace, his influence and fame are apparent. Mozartplatz Square is a centrally located peaceful old city square near the Salzburg Museum and Salzburg Cathedral. The square is bordered by several historical buildings. However, the main attraction is an ornate bronze statue of Mozart, erected on his 50^th death anniversary in 1841. The unveiling was ceremoniously done in 1842 in the presence of his sons. The statue still retains its popularity.

Hohensalzburg Castle or the Salzburg Fortress

This ancient 11th-century magnificent castle is an imposing structure on Festungsberg Hill and the most important place to visit in Mozart's birthplace. Take a funicular cable ride for amazing views of the Austrian Alps. Salzburg is very close to Germany borders. Look down upon the city. The view is magical from the top.  Explore the regal and ornate rooms and halls of the castle with the most exquisite artefact, sculptures and marble busts. Venetian mirrors, chandeliers hanging from ornate ceilings and sculpted marble pillars reflect prestige and power.

Mirabel Palace

Mozart's birthplace has no dearth of palaces. Mirabel Palace, a 17th-century palace, is listed as a cultural heritage monument. The sprawling themed gardens of this palace are the major attractions. It is a great spot for an outdoor fun time. The themed gardens are mostly mythology centric, the Pegasus Fountain, being a pivotal structure in the gardens.

Hellbrunn Castle

The beautiful parks of this castle are popular for the trick fountains, grottos and water automats. Built-in the renaissance era; these are still attractive and amusing to visitors.

Salzburg Cathedral

The Cathedral's dome has dominated the city's skyline for centuries. Mozart's birthplace has a story of Mozart everywhere. It is this cathedral where he was baptised.

St. Peter's Monastery

Just a minute's walk from the cathedral leads to St. Peter's. This is an extremely well-decorated Abbey with a catacomb and a beautiful cemetery and an extensive library. Costumed Mozart opera and candlelit dinner in the Baroque Hall is an experience one should not miss when at Mozart's birthplace.

New Residez Neugebaude and Glockenspiel

This ancient historical campus is popular for its 35 bells of glockenspiel. The clock still works and the ringing bells can still be heard at 7 am, 11 am and 6 pm daily. The campus houses the Salzburg Museum too.

There is no limit to the number of historical buildings and palaces in Salzburg. Salzburg is a place of museums; from ancient Baroque, Medieval, Renaissance to Modern Art and even aeroplanes and puppetry. Museum centric guided tours are available. Also do not miss out on the local delicacies and eateries.

Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg, is musically significant. The classic musical, “The Sound of Music” based on the true story of the Vonn Trapp Family (a family that made a musical troop, active from 1935 to 1957) of Salburg was shot here. The movie was released in 1965 and is an all-time favourite. Salzburg still holds “The Sound of Music” tours.