Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse

Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse is one of Salzburg’s oldest streets, located in the heart of the city’s historical quarter. It is a popular place for a pleasant stroll, with easy access to the Getreidegasse and the Franciscan Church, and is used by both visitors and residents.

Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse is one of Salzburg’s oldest streets, dating back to 1140. It is named for Sigmund Haffner, a renowned trader and former mayor of the city. Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse inhabitants included Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, his lover Salome Alt, and musician Heinrich Biber.

The house at No. 4 Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse 4 was known to have been an inn as early as 1607. It was renamed the “Gasthof zum Elefanten” in 1800. The name really alludes to an elephant named “Soliman” that was given to Archduke Maximilian of Austria and his wife by the Portuguese king on the occasion of their wedding.

The Ritzerhaus was first mentioned in writing in 1294. It was once part of the city walls and hence located on the outside of the Old City. A modest gate was erected here about 1620, leading to the grounds originally cared for by the nuns of St. Peter’s Convent. It is presently known as the Ritzerbogen and runs from Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse to the Universitätsplatz. Austria’s oldest bookshop has been in the same premises since 1492.

Museum der Moderne Rupertinum, a museum of modern art and one of Salzburg’s cultural attractions, is located on Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse. The structure, which was once used as a seminary for aspiring priests, has been publicly owned since 1983, when it has held modern works of art as well as graphic collections. Furthermore, the numerous private galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and pleasant eateries along Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse allow visitors to halt, relax, and enjoy themselves.