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
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.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
