Streets & Squares In Salzburg
Though the old town was abandoned by the Romans in the Middle Ages, its ancient roots are revealed in its modern arrangement. Three important Roman thoroughfares—Getreidegasse, Linzer Gasse, and Steingasse—define the city’s arterial system still.
Getreidegasse, a hive of business right in the middle of the city, is This location’s historical relevance is underlined by its proximity to the birthplace of musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Rising from arcaded buildings, including the Residenzplatz, the Kapitelplatz, and the Franziskanergasse, the rectangular Domplatz is a notable square dominated by Rising tall in the center of the city, the Marian Column was built between 1766 and 1771.
Mozartplatz embodies a rebellious attitude. Beside the Mozart Monument, the Zaun des Anfuss monument reminds us of the powerful demonstrations that effectively stopped the construction of a nuclear reprocessing plant.
The Residenz complex is situated southward from the 13th-century rectangular square known as the Alter Markt. Rising majestically in the middle and evidence of the city’s early and effective water management system, the market fountain has rich history predating draw wells.
From the Alter Markt, the narrow and uneven Waagplatz threads. Impressive, five-story mansions with a medieval appeal call from the former market square.
Linking the Kranzlmarkt to the Franziskanerkirche, the Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse reveals a fascinating architectural anomaly. Rebuilding in the 18th century, the house boasts a unique, funnel-shaped extension.
Nestled between Getreidegasse and Kranzlmarkt, the town hall square presents a lovely view of the Salzach River. The tall town buildings on either side define the limits as seen from the grand town hall facade.
Charming alley running parallel to the Getreidegasse-Kranzlmarkt axis is the Judengasse. It is surrounded by rather magnificent homes, some of which soar five or six stories high.
Nestled at the base of the Festungsberg, Herrengasse is a meandering lane that elegantly links Kaigesse and Kapitelplatz. The houses on the mountainside have a changing character; the first stretch consists of independent homes, but from number 22 onward the buildings form a closely packed row.
Medieval lanes merge on Kaigasse, the main street east of the cathedral. Krotachgasse links Kaigesse and Chiemseegasse, so enabling the entrance of the Chiemseehof, a historical palace complex once the residence of the Chiemsee bishops.
From Mozartplatz to Kajetanerplatz, the Pfeifergasse is a twisting alleyway highlighting the architectural taste that rules the area. Mostly residential, the streets in this area have great historical significance going back to the Middle Ages and the 16th and 17th centuries. Still, the damage of World War II bombing had a major influence on the historic fabric.
Running along the eastern edge of the old town, Griesgasse is a roomy street with a mild bend. Early 17th century construction of this building was deliberately scheduled outside the city boundaries.
On the right bank of the Salzach, Steingasse shows its intriguing appeal. Long, narrow, and frequently curved, this lane once was a major traffic path following the Salzach River’s natural bends. This place’s unusual location—between the Salzach and the Kapuzinerberg on uneven ground—helps to create its historical attractiveness. The first part is built as a solid block, with little passageways leading to the river periodically breaking out the narrowness of the alley.
From the Platzl, a meandering alley, Linzer Gasse fills in as the main street on the right side of the old town. The arterial path to the northeast features a range of townhouses, some from the sixteenth century and others reflecting mid-century design. Beautiful homes abound in the area, each with a lovely courtyard and other buildings tucked against Kapuzinerberg’s rock face.
The past of the old town is under debate recently. A city archive study conducted in 2018 revealed more than sixty streets and squares bearing names honoring National Socialist leaders. In September 2021, the city council narrowly turned down a plan to renaming 46 streets honoring well-known Nazi party officials.
Residenzplatz
Previously known as Hauptplatz, Residenzplatz is a very popular tourist destination in Salzburg’s Altstadt. The Alte Residenz and the Salzburg Cathedral both wonderfully surround it. Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau oversaw the move of an old monastic cemetery, so establishing the square in 1587. Designed concurrently with Salzburg Cathedral’s reconstruction was Hauptplatz, the new public square. The Residenzbrunnen, the biggest Baroque fountain in Central Europe, was painstakingly created by Tommaso di Garona. The effort ran from 1656 to 1661.
Major athletic or musical events including football games, live concerts, and New Year’s Eve celebrations are much sought after for the square. Apart from presenting the St. Rupert’s Fair in September, the Advent season brings a wonderful Christmas market. Among the several events held in the square are an outdoor movie theater, the yearly kermesse, and the Salzburg Christmas market. Residenzplatz hosted 1980s and 1990s rock events including those featuring Joe Cocker, Tina Turner, and Neil Young.
Mozartplatz
Right in the middle of Salzburg’s Old Town, the Mozartplatz is quite historically significant. Right in the middle is the amazing Mozart monument, which perfectly embodies this eminent composer. September 4, 1842 saw the public exhibition of Ludwig Schwanthaler’s statue. Mozart’s sons showed up for the unveiling event. Bavarian King Ludwig I kindly offered the monument’s marble pedestal, which was much needed for its construction.
Significantly historically, the Mozartplatz in Salzburg features notable buildings on its north side including the tourist information office and a section of the old city wall behind it. Originally housed at the Neue Residenz, the Salzburg Museum has been at the Mozartplatz since 2007. The widow of Mozart, Constanze Mozart-Nissen lived at the house at Mozartplatz 8. On the west side are the Salzburg Christmas Museum and Café Glockenspiel.
Getreidegasse
Getreidegasse, in Salzburg’s Old Town, is a lively neighbourhood drawing lots of visitors. Its attractiveness and handy location close to Mozart’s Birthplace define it. The street presents a varied spectrum of foreign fashion labels, vintage stores, and gastronomic possibilities. Visitors can peruse a large range of jewelry, folkwear, accessories, antiques, leather goods, stationery, perfume companies, grocery and deli stores. Additionally housed in the Getreidegasse is the Wieber shop, a classic metalworking business still producing these “advertising signs.”
Originally recorded since 1150, Trabegasse was a trade route linking the vibrant Salzburg trade center to the northwest suburb of Mülln. The prince-archbishops bestowed upon the residents basic rights in the 14th century, which led to the development of many significant businesses along the road displaying their goods. Attracting salzburg’s elite, Getreidegasse has evolved into a sought-after residential area drawing government officials and aristocrats. The area features magnificent structures with lovely courtyards and elegant halls.
The conversion of former homes into commercial properties has clearly increased during the last few decades. Despite its popularity, the Salzburg municipal government has worked to maintain the unique character of the street so ensuring its continuous attraction to tourists.
Alter Markt
Rich in history going back to the 13th century, Salzburg’s medieval city center’s Alter Markt, sometimes known as Old Market For the urban population, it functioned as a hive of business and market place. Between 1873 and 1927, the area was known as Ludwig Victor after Archduke Ludwig Viktor, the younger brother of Emperor Franz Jose I.
The market was a hive of activity, linking several markets and staging a great range of events. These included the St. John’s fire, barefoot bakers’ dance, Whitsun dance, sword dance. Designed in 1488, the market fountain features graceful marble stairs and an octagonal basin. Adorned with Salzburg’s coat of arms, the fountain highlights Wolf Guppenberger’s graceful corner columns and exquisitely created scrollwork grill.
Stunning town homes with a fascinating mix of medieval and early modern architecture abound in The Old Marketplace. Conveniently close to the Tomaselli cafe, this little apartment in Salzburg’s old city center is a treasure. Rich in historical importance, the archiepiscopal pharmacy has been housed on Alter Markt since the late 16th century.
Cathedral Square
Nestled in the center of Salzburg’s old city, Cathedral Square features an amazing 18th-century Virgin Mary figure. Archbishop Wolf Dietrich ordered this amazing work of art. Among several amazing sites in the square are the Cathedral, the Residenz, and St. Peter’s Monastery.
Through arcades, the square links itself to other city squares including Residenzplatz and Kapitelplatz as well as the Franziskanergasse. Commissioned by Archbishop Sigismund Graf Schrattenbach, the monument exhibits superb workmanship using cast lead materials and finely carved marble. From the Franziskanergasse arcades, one can appreciate the magnificent classicist column depicting the Virgin Mary, elegantly surrounded by a host of angels and crowned with royal dignity.
With Cathedral Square as the perfect venue for the enthralling presentations of Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s “Jedermann,” the Salzburg Festival offers a superb setting. Additionally housed in the square are the Ruperkirtag in fall and the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt in winter. The architectural coherence and beauty of the square attract visitors, thus it is a popular place.
Steingasse
At the base of the Kapuzinerberg, Salzburg’s historic Steingasse street runs alongside the Salzach River. One of the first streets in the city. This trade route linking the north and the south was crucial in medieval times and helped greatly with the movement of salt. This site attracted artists, traders, and craftspeople specializing in pottery, dying, and tanning because of its plenty of water.
Magnificent mansions with rear gardens and easy access to the river have lined the street and withstood time. There are now just a few stores on the street, and the broad Imbergstraße has replaced the little Steingress as the main thoroughfare. Mostly, the homes along Steingasse are homes. Especially, No. 31 Steingasse is important since Joseph Mohr, the well-known composer of the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night,” used to live here historically.
At the end of the street stands the marble wall fountain known as “Engelwirtsbrunnen.” Starting from Steingasse, which offers amazing panoramic views of the city, hiking to the top of the Kapuzinerberg is made much easier. Halfway up the stairs sits the church of St. Johann am Imberg, a frequent visit for the Mozart children.
Waagplatz
Found at the end of Judengasse, the Waagplatz in Salzburg’s old center provides a seamless link to Mozartplatz. This plaza was a hive for hay and bread trade in the fifteenth century. In the center of Salzburg’s old town sits Waagplatz, a plaza with great historical significance. Originally slated as the oldest marketplace and court square in the city, the area is well-known for its uneven ground.
Together with the east end of the Judengasse, the square functioned as a hay market in the 15th century. From 1430 until 1650, Alter Brodmarkt functioned as a bread market. Waagplatz first narrows and finally links with Judengasse as you head northwest. Waagplatz is east of the much bigger Mozartplatz. The Middle Ages is when the townhouses around Waagplatz first emerged.
Right next to it, the Michaelskirche provides a window of view of the old Höllbräu from the Judengasse. The Kuk Restaurant is unique in the area near the small church nowadays. Furthermore named for the Freysauff family, Freysauffkeller is an interesting historic vaulted basement. This basement can easily host up to 130 people and is most definitely worth visiting.
Kapitelplatz and Kapitelgasse
Slightly south of the cathedral, in the lovely old town of Salzburg, Kapitelplatz is a generously sized plaza. It sits before the fortification and Kapitelschwemme. Close by you will find the cathedral provost and Archbishop’s Palace, the Cardinal Schwarzenberg House, the Cathedral Chapter, and Mühlenhof of St. Peter’s Abbey.
Kapitelgasse, where the Salzburg cathedral chapter is housed, is the source of the names Kapitelplatz and Kapitelgesse. Up until the archbishopric was abolished in 1803, the elite clergy resided in Chapter Square and the adjacent streets. Following that the Abbey of the Cathedral was founded. Along Kapitelgasse, Kaigesse, and Chiemseegasse the Cathedral neighbourhood was situated.
Built in 1732 under the direction of Archbishop Leopold Firmian, the Chapter Fountain is a striking reminder of past. Neptune, the revered sea god, is brilliantly shown in the artwork riding a magnificent seahorse. Neptune holds a magnificent crown and a great trident as water flows elegantly from his mouth. The area is alive with activity, featuring vibrant shop booths, chess players, and Stephan Balkenhol’s captivating artwork “Sphaera” that livenes the surrounds.
Domplatz
Nestled in the center of Salzburg’s ancient old town, the rectangular Domplatz is Perfect architecture surrounds it, and it is exactly in front of the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral. Through lovely arcades, the square is perfectly linked to Franziskanergasse, Kappelleplatz, and Residencenzplatz.
The northern and western sections of the Salzburg Residence, which dates back to roughly 1600, Following the completion of the cathedral towers, the south side convent wing of St. Peter’s Abbey underwent changes about 1663. During Prince-Archbishop Guidobald von Thun und Hohenstein’s rule, the Domplatz attained architectural harmony.
Through Giovanni Antonio Dario’s cathedral arches, the convent wing links to the house as well as to the cathedral. The DomQuartier Salzburg planned a museum tour across Domplatz’s buildings between 2005 and 2014. September 30, 1810, the Domplatz saw the union of Salzburg and Bavaria at last. Once the Salzburg officials were sworn in as part of the Bavarian state, the patent for the seizure was revealed to the assembled public from the balcony of the residence.
Herrenmann has been presenting a performance on the Domplatz from 1920 at the Salzburg Festival. Apart from the Residenzplatz, it hosts the annual Christmas market as well.
Linzer Gasse
Commonly known as Linzergasse, the Linzer Gasse is Salzburg’s most prestigious street. It stretches in the old town from Staatsbrücke and Platzl to Franz-Josef-Straße. It was the main way Linz and Austria were connected during the prince archbishop’s rule. An extension of the Linzer Gasse, the Linzer Reichsstrace features an intriguing iron road with rich Styrian historical background. Comprising more than 140 businesses and historical buildings like the Sebastians Friedhof, the street is a hive of visitors. Annually in June, the Linzergassenfest
Found during Roman excavations, Linzergasse features a late Roman cemetery at the far end. Early Middle Ages saw the street grow from the bridgehead of the city bridge to the east, ending with the Easter Gate. Visible in the courtyards of houses at Lederergässchen Nos. 1 and 3 as well as in the remarkably robust east wall of the house at Linzergasse 14, the city wall dates back to about 1280. Built in 1373 and repeatedly restored, the outer Linzertor—also known as Sebastiantor—was destroyed in 1894.
Judengasse
From Waagplatz to Getreidegasse, the Judengasse in Salzburg’s old town runs Most Salzburg’s Jewish population lived in this area during the Middle Ages. Though banished once more in 1404, it is likely that the synagogue—known as the Judenschule—was located in the house at 15 Judengasse. Added to the city’s oldest town hall on Waagplatz in 1520, a relief panel marked the final Jewish exodus in 1498. The panel showed a sow caring for Jewish children.
Parallel to Getreidegasse, the busy retail street known as Judengasse Many stores occupy lovely mediaeval cellars. Along Rudolfskai, which is tucked away beside the gorgeous Salzach River, you will come across a lively range of nightclubs and Irish bars as you head towards the Salzach. You will also find well-known hotels including the Goldene Ente and the Hotel zum Mohren right in the middle of the old town.
Popular shopping street The Judengasse runs in Salzburg’s old city center. Apart from the modern stores and well-known fashion labels, year-round availability of a wide range of gourmet chocolates, souvenirs, home furniture, and seasonal decorations including Easter and Christmas items.
Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse
One Salzburg street most known for its rich historical background is Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse. This site is quite handy since it provides simple access to well-known sites including the Franciscan Church and Getreidegasse. Originally an inn, the street bears Sigmund Haffner’s name and has great historical background. It came under the moniker “Gasthof zum Elefanten” in 1800.
Operating as an inn since 1607, this No. 4 Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse building has an interesting past. In 1800 this establishment was known as “Gasthof zum Elefanten”. Originally part of the city walls, the 1294 Ritzerhaus is now known as the Ritzerbogen. For more than five centuries, this old bookshop in Austria has boldly occupied the same space.
Found on Sigmund-Haffner-Gesse, the Museum der Moderne Rupertinum has an interesting past as a former seminary for future priests. Since 1983, the institution has housed graphic collections and modern pieces of art. There are lots of chances for visitors to have a great time on the street thanks to private galleries, distinctive stores, and little restaurants.
Karajan Square
After crossing Sigmund’s Gate, you will find Herbert von Karajan Square and the well-known 17th-century historical monument known as “Horse Pond”. Showcasing the attention to detail, the Festival District’s parade horses were meticulously cleaned and groomed.
Situated at the foot of the magnificent Mönchsberg cliffs, Sigmund’s Gate offers access to the magical city of Salzburg and Herbert von Karajan Square. The square was dedicated to Salzburg-based eminent conductor Herbert von Karajan. He started the Salzburg Easter Festival in 1967; the Salzburg Whitsun Festival came later in 1973.
Designed and constructed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in 1603, the Horse Pond, now on Herbert von Karajan Square, was It first was used to wash the prince-archbishops’ parade horses. The Horse Pond’s striking murals on the rear wall and the monument of the “Horse Tamer” help to vividly depict the customs and way of life of that age.
Visit Herbert von Karajan Square highly advised for movie buffs of “The Sound of Music.” Maria and the Trapp children are enthralled with the well-known plaza and the little Horse Pond on their Salzburg carriage ride.
Kajetanerplatz
Located at the end of Kaigesse in Salzburg, the Kajetanerplatz was totally rebuilt over summer 2021. Examining the buildings and past of the square reveals notable people, an amazing church, and a pleasant atmosphere.
During the summer, the square boasts an interesting splash fountain that provides a pleasant means of cool-down. On Saturdays, the Kajetaner Church offers a calm environment so guests may relax and explore the Sacred Staircase. Conveniently situated across from the church, the lovely row of buildings on the other side of the square provides a great photographic backdrop for the courthouse.
For a few months in 1797/98, German adventurer Alexander von Humboldt lived in the building at the Schanzlgasse corner. Finished in 1909, the courthouse stands across the street. Installated in 1957 as a drinking water source was the Trude-Hillinger-Brunnen [fountain]. Beautiful gardens graced this space until the sixteenth century.
Every Friday the Kajetanerplatz becomes a car-free zone providing a great weekly farmers’ market. Try the mouthwatering cuisine from the well-known Holztrattner bakery and enjoy a meal at the little Hinterbrühl restaurant when you converse with the friendly Salzburg residents. The friendly environment in the wine bars and stores accentuates the appeal of the square.
Goldgasse
Connecting Residenzplatz and Alter Markt, the Goldgasse in Salzburg sits in the center of the city’s historic area. Originally a bustling center for expert artists, this area was named for the gifted goldsmiths and other workers who called it home.
While still maintaining its rich historical appeal, the location today gives great focus on folk clothing, leather goods, wines, and antiques. With their mostly 5 to 6-story buildings, the homes on Goldgasse add to the appeal of the neighborhood. Beautiful works of art abound in the homes as well; house signs depicting saints seeking their blessings and protection.
One amazing example is the Reitsamerhaus, which first appears in records dating back 1424. When French trader Jean Fontaine was allowed to sell coffee in 1700, its historical importance was raised still more. Renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine and large assortment of beverages, Café Tomaselli, on Alter Markt, draws patrons still.
Gstättengasse and Ursulinenplatz
Linking the Bürgerspital and Gstättentor to the enlarged Ursulinenplatz in front of the Klausentor, the Gstättengasse is a street in Salzburg’s left old town. In the old town at the junction of Gstättengasse and Griesgasse is Anton-Neumayr-Platz.
Two old fortifications, the Gstättentor and Klausentor, reveal the link between “Die Gstätten” and the Müllner suburb. From the Left Old Town, this path has been a vital road towards the north and west from ancient times.
Said to be Salzburg’s first suburb, the Gstättengasse area stretches between the inner and outer Stein to the inner Nonntal. Beginning as individual barns and small, isolated wooden homes, it grew quickly from 1480 and finally became a little town along the Mönchsberg.
Early homes in this area were built about 1400; larger brick buildings were only permitted starting in 1480. Over the sixteenth century, the road mostly descended the hill. Mostly craftspeople, this neighborhood’s residents included bakers, locksmiths, milliners, and loden producers.
