Follow in the Footsteps of Mozart in Salzburg, Austria
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the world’s most recognisable names and an Austrian superstar of the classical era. The prodigy originally hailed from the city of Salzburg, where his legacy continues to live on today. Here are some of his old haunts to add to your must-see list when visiting Salzburg and will mean you see the city through the eyes of one of the world’s most revered musicians.
A genius is born
Born on 27 January 1756, the seventh child to parents Anna Maria and Leopold, Mozart’s birthplace, known locally as Hagenauer Haus still stands today. This is where the composer spent the majority of his childhood and teenage years and has become a magnet for his fans. Now transformed into a museum, featuring a collection of portraits, painted during his lifetime, as well as a vast selection of historical instruments, including Mozart’s own violin and clavichord, the house is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. His family later relocated to Makartplatz 8, just across the river.
Mozart’s birthplace, Getreidegasse 9, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, +43 662 844313
The early days
Like most Austrians around this period, Mozart was baptised a Roman Catholic, at Salzburg Cathedral. One of the most distinctive landmarks of the skyline, the structure is considered a Baroque masterpiece and the sacred focal point of Salzburg. The original structure, built in AD767, was destroyed by fire and was later rebuilt in 1598. There are often concerts performing Mozart’s work. Strolling through the streets of the nearby Old Town, where there are many shops and cafés, will also give you the chance to see the city from his perspective, as this area has remained largely unchanged since he resided here.
Salzburg Cathedral, Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, +43 662 80477950
Where Mozart spent his leisure time
In the eighteenth century, coffee houses in Austria, and in particular Vienna, were known for being hangouts for the creatives of that time, and it is rumoured that Mozart’s favourite haunt was Café Tomaselli, situated in the heart of the Old Town on Alter Markt. The café is believed to be Austria’s oldest operating coffee house, and is currently run by fifth-generation members of the Tomaselli family.
Café Tomaselli, Alter Markt 9, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, +43 662 8444880
Working at the Salzburg court
After spending time in Italy, Mozart returned to his hometown to take up a position at the Salzburg court, presided over by the then ruler, Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo. It was during this time that he composed many of his symphonies, sonatas, string quartets, masses, serenades, and a few minor operas. The Bibliotheca Mozartiana, situated within the International Mozarteum Foundation on Schwarzstrasse 26, contains a staggering 35,000 titles and is the most extensive Mozart library in the world. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in the work of the great composer – and it’s the perfect finale to a day spent in Salzburg, following in his footsteps.
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