The History of Salzburg

Salzburg is proud of its past

Salzburg is proud of its past. As an ecclesiastical principality which enjoyed the exclusive status of beeing responsible to the Emperor directly, Salzburg was ruled by archbishops, uniting both secular and ecclesiastical power. The modern city is located on the site of Roman Juvavum, a settlement which grew up on one of the major military roads of the ancient world. After the collapse of Rome, centuries passed until, in 696, Bishop Rupert founded the city anew. The face of the contemporary Salzburg, dominated by the baroque majesty of the old city, was created in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was then that the Prince-archbishops Wolf Dietrich, Markus Sittikus and Paris Lodron realized their major building programmes, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the architecture of the city.Even today, over one hundred churches, castles and palaces bear witness to the power of the Salzburg archbishops.

In 1756 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg's greatest son, was born here. 1842 saw the erection of a monument to him in what is today Mozart square. It was not until 1816 that the Kronland Salzburg became part of the Habsburg Empire. The founding of the Salzburg Festival in the early years of this century brought new creative energy to the city, a stimulation still felt to this day. The years following World War II saw Salzburg develop into one of Austria's leading trade centres. At the same time the city became one of the most popular tourist venues in the country. In 1964 the world famous film "The Sound of Music" was made in Salzburg. To this day numerous visitors wanting to see the film locations for themselves flock to the city. The Festival continues a long tradition of acting as a major stimulus to the cultural life of the city. Salzburg is proud to offer theatre, concerts and art on a par with the major cities of the world. Alongside the sensitively renovated old city, contemporary Salzburg is also modern city. As an administrative centre it also provides services for a whole region. Nor has modern architecture been neglected in Salzburg; recent years have seen the creation of a number of impressive buildings which have brought the city international recognition. The many tourists visiting Salzburg today will find here a selection of first class hotels and restaurants meeting the highest international standards. Salzburg's old city is famed as beeing Austria's most attractive shopping centre. And as far as specialist trade-fairs in Austria are concerned, the city of Mozart also enjoys pride of place.

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City & Country Tour

Visite the historical and architectural landmarks of Salzburg, as well as part of the picturesque Salzburg Lake district countryside, along with many o the highlights from the film Sound of Music.

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