EU Project – Salzburg Excursion Information for Tour Guides
Salzburg, Austria
General Information
Salzburg, a baroque city on the banks of the Salzach River, takes its name from the salt trade that brought so many riches to its former residents.
The Altstadt (old town) is wedged between the river and the 1,500 foot mountain topped with the town's castle, Fortress Hohensalzburg. It was once a Roman town (Juvavum) followed by a monastery in 700 AD. By 798 AD an archbishop resided here, and Salzburg started to become an important European economic and political center.
Wolf Dietrich, the Prince Archbishop from 1587 until 1612, was raised in Rome and decided to make Salzburg the Rome of the North. Even today you encounter fountains, churches and palaces that are reminiscent of the Eternal City.
The city's most famous resident, Mozart was born here in 1756. Salzburg has been a favorite for music lovers since his time, and today music festivals are one of the largest draws for tourism.
The film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical The Sound of Music, was set in Salzburg and has added even more musical themes to the city.
Today, the old town looks much as it did when Mozart was born. The 17th and 18th century homes line narrow streets, some of which are still paved with cobblestones. Most vehicle traffic is not allowed in the old town, creating chances for lovely strolls for pedestrians.
One of the best ways to get the feel of Salzburg is to spend some time walking the main shopping street, Getreidegasse, lined with 5 and 6 story buildings that look as though they come from a movie set. When your need a rest, order a coffee with strudel and take in the people-watching cafe life that is itself an event
Getreidegasse
As for centuries, this today is the main shopping street in the Old City center. According to historians, the historic name means "trade street" -- not "grain street," as many people believe. Today it is the address of elegant fashion houses, international shoe chains, and a McDonald's (note its wrought-iron sign -- one of many on the street -- with classy bronze lettering: like all the other shops, it has conformed with Salzburg's strict Old City conservation laws). Other than coming to shop, crowds flock to this street because at No. 9 they'll find Mozart's birthplace, the Mozarts Geburtshaus. Needless to say, in summer the street is as densely packed with people as a corncob with kernels. You can always escape for a while through one of the many arcades -- mostly flower-bedecked and opening into delightful little courtyards -- that link the Getreidegasse to the river and the Universitätsplatz.
Mozart's Geburtshaus (Birth house)
Mozart was born here on January 27, 1756. By the age of 4 he was writing original music, and by the age of 6 he was a child prodigy performing for the royal family in Vienna. When he was not touring he lived in this house until the age of 17. There are 3 floors of exhibits including the family apartment and some of his instruments.
We go through one of the passages to the University square and go on to St. Peter`s.
St. Peters Church and Cemetery
This church dates back to 696, but a remodel in the 17th century gives it a baroque style. The west side doors date from 1240. Outside the church is a cemetery where aristocrats and people of influence are buried (Mozart's sister). This church and cemetery were used as the abbey in The Sound of Music film.
We go through the arches to the cathedral square. We`ll take a look inside the cathedral.
Salzburg Cathedral
This cathedral is considered the most perfect Renaissance building in the Germanic countries. It boasts a world famous 4,000 pipe organ. The original Roman church that stood here dates to 774. Another church was built on this spot in 1181 and survived until 1598 when a fire destroyed it. The current church was built in 1628. Its dome was bombed and destroyed in WWII, but was restored in 1959. The bronze doors were also added at that time and express the themes of Faith, Hope and Love. This is the church where Mozart was baptized. In the lower levels you can tour the excavations of the past buildings.
From here, you can also see the Fortress.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
This massive castle sits 400 feet above the old town. It was originally built for the ruling prince archbishop. Construction began in 1077 and was not finished until 1681. Today, this is the largest completely preserved castle in central Europe. You can visit the castle exterior for wonderful views over Salzburg, with the Alps visible on a clear day. Interior audio guided tours are included in the entrance fee that will explain in detail the medieval princes' apartments and the castle museum. But the real highlight is the view from the top of the tower.
Outside the cathedral, we go right and come to the Residence square.
Residenz Salzburg (Residenz State Rooms)
This opulent palace was built by Wolf Dietrich after he felt that the Price Archbishops no longer needed the heavy fortifications of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Today there are several state rooms that can be toured as well as an art gallery which includes an audio guide. The child prodigy Mozart often played in these staterooms while he was in Salzburg. The Residenz fountain dates from the 17th century and is one of the largest baroque fountains north of the Alps. Again a reminder of Wolf Dietrich's time in Rome.
We go on to see the Mozart Square.
Mozart Square
Situated in the centre of the city, the square owes its special character to the impressive Mozart memorial, created by Ludwig von Schwanthaler and erected here in 1842.
Here, we can also see the carillion, the “Glockenspiel”.
The Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel on Mozartplatz has 35 bells that chime. The tunes are changed monthly to reflect the season. This is a great free mini concert, but it can be enjoyed even more while sipping a coffee drink at one of the many street cafes, or a holding a warm mug of Glühwein as you stroll the outdoor Christmas Markets.
Salzburger Nockerl
"Salzburger Nockerl". Praised in the lyrics of classical operetta - "As sweet as love and as tender as a kiss......a greeting from heaven..." - that’s how it goes in Fred Raymond’s lively operetta "A season in Salzburg", written before the last war!
A portion of the sweet culinary delicacy is more than sufficient for three people; it consists of a three fold “mountain” of golden brown soufflé liberally dusted with icing sugar and served on a silver platter or in a dish. "Salzburger Nockerl" are very filling; one should, therefore, never order a portion alone after a full meal; it would be a shame not to be able to savour in full this heavenly delicacy by dint of insufficient space and appetite!
"Salzburger Nockerl" are always freshly prepared, consequently one should not only be possessed of a certain culinary curiosity and anticipation but above all, should also have the time and leisure to wait for this exquisite ”bonne bouche”. It certainly won’t be regretted!
Recipe for "Salzburger Nockerl":
Ingredients:
5 Eggs; 4 tbsp icing sugar; 1 tsp flour; grated lemon rind; 2 tbsp milk; 3 tbsp butter;
Whisk 5 egg whites together 3 tbsp of icing sugar until the mixture is stiff. Fold in 3 egg yolks, 1 tsp flour and a little lemon rind.
In an oven proof dish, heat 3 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp icing sugar and 2 tbsp milk, stirring well.
Form four “Nockerl” from the stiffened egg white and place them in the oven proof dish. Bake in a pre-heated oven until golden brown. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.
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