A Tour of Salzburg's Baroque Architectural Landmarks
Dubbed ‘Rome of the North,’ Salzburg is a Baroque gem among mountainous surroundings. Many of the buildings were built by the order of the Monarchy, during the 17th and 18th centuries – churches, houses, gardens and fountains erected in the city were mostly designed in the style of the Baroque. We show you around a few of Salzburg’s most important landmarks.
‘Rome of the North’
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg boasts some of the most opulent architecture in all of Austria – designed by many of the great architects of the Baroque era. Hugely inspired by Italian designs, the style of the buildings are similarly grand and elaborate to the epic façades seen in Rome.
1. Chapter Square
Begin at Chapter Square, the spacious piazza beneath the dramatic Fortress on top of the hill, where locals can be seen mingling and playing oversized chess. Chapter fountain, modeled on Italian designs, is the first Baroque landmark you’ll see – adorned with horses and figures, including the god Neptune, who is blowing water from his mouth.
Chapter Square, Kapitelplatz, Salburg, Austria
Kapitelplatz, Salzburg | © Bryan Reinhart / Tourismus Salzburg
2. The Cathedral
Cathedral, Building
Decorative ceiling of Salzburg Cathedral | © John Mason / Flickr
3. Quick break
Cafe, Coffee, Australian, Vegetarian, Vegan
4. The Mirabell Palace Gardens
Historical Landmark, Building
St Markus Kirche
Once you’ve taken in the splendor of the Palace Gardens, head back across the river to St Mark’s Church, or St Markus Kirche as it is known to locals. This Baroque masterpiece was commissioned by Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun and designed by renowned architect Fischer von Erlach – the brain behind many other churches in the city. Although the exterior of the church is relatively modest – adorned with statues of the Saints – the interior is a breathtaking blend of wooden carvings, delicately decorated stucco and multicolored frescoes depicting scenes such as St Ursula in heaven.
St Mark’s Church, Franz-Josef-Kai 21, Salzburg, Austria, +43 662 842590
Now work your way back towards where you started your tour, for a well-deserved drink at Restaurant Stieglkeller, where you can sit outside on the terrace and watch the sun go down and admire some of the sites in the distance.
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