Happy Thursday! We are so glad you are here as we make another stop along the Danube River! Today we are visiting the birthplace of Mozart!
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:2 ESV
Passau, Germany, known as the “City of Three Rivers”, was our first stop along the Danube after leaving Regensburg. Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. The German-Austrian border begins here. The city’s St. Stephens Cathedral is home to one of Europe’s largest pipe organs. From Passau, we took a drive into Austria through the beautiful countryside and quaint villages to visit Salzburg.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens is found at the heart of Salzburg. The palace was built in 1606 by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich. The gardens were one of the most important shooting locations for the famous musical “The Sound of Music”.
The Pegasus statue stands in the middle of a fountain at a palace entrance. This bronze sculpture was featured in “The Sound of Music”. You may remember Julie Andrews and the Von Trapp children dancing/marching around this fountain singing “Do-Re-Mi”?
Mirabell has a very colorful history. A walk through the gardens on a beautiful September day was relaxing, but attempting to absorb all the history that surrounds you was challenging! The Marble Hall within the palace was once a banquet hall, where in former times. people like Leopold Mozart and son Wolfgang made music. The Marble Hall is regarded today as one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. Our schedule did not allow for us to go into the hall, but the photos available online are amazing.
By design, the gardens face the cathedral, as well as the fortress you can see on the hill in the distance. Today the palace is home to municipal offices and the office of the mayor of Salzburg. It all varies slightly from our municipal complex here at home!
The Salzach River winds its way through the heart of the historic district. Salt (“Salz” in German) was shipped along the Salzach until the late 19th century, hence the name!
The Marko-Feingold-Steg, or just “Steg”, is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. As you can see, the “love padlocks” tradition has been here for quite some time.
One of Salzburg’s most well known streets is called Getreidegasse. One reason for the streets popularity is this house at Getreidegasse 9, where Wolfgang Mozart was born and lived for 26 years.
Pam (says Butch) is another reason the street is famous. She stands by the street level plaque that indicates Mozart’s birthplace and date. The third floor where Mozart lived is now a museum!
The Salzburg Cathedral is considered by many as Salzburg’s most sacred building. The location makes it a centerpiece of the old city and the two towers and large dome (on the back and not seen here) are impressive and distinct in the skyline. The first cathedral was built here in 767!
Another look at Getreidegasse street with its shops and high rise townhouses and numerous wrought iron guild signs.
You can see the intricate designs of the guild signs as a gorgeous church (The Church of St. Blaise) provides a backdrop at the end of the street. We were intrigued by the creativity and craftsmanship of these signs.
Salzburg is also the birthplace of Christian Doppler, mathematician and physicists who is best known for the Doppler effect. He was born just down the street from Mozart, but about 12 years after Mozart died. Doppler’s work is still important today as we’ve all likely in some way encountered a medical procedure using his discovery, or for certain, here in the south…doppler radar, especially during tornado season!
There was a sign that caught our eyes which had some familiarity to it. Did you notice the arched “M”? Yes, it was McDonalds, and no, we did not eat there. We were told that they were leaving Salzburg?
The Collegiate Church (University Church) is one of Austria’s most important baroque churches. Today it is a venue for art and music. We understood it was often called the Church of Light because of the interior design and all white surfaces.
The simplistic design and color make the church a perfect backdrop for art exhibitions. It is evident that anything displayed here would clearly stand out! An interesting note: Salzburg was occupied by Napoleonic troops and the church was used as a warehouse for hay!
We personally enjoyed the simplicity. It seemed easier to take in the detail and not be overwhelmed. Not to diminish the beauty of the many gorgeous ornate cathedrals and churches we’ve visited, but sometimes there’s more than the eyes and brain can take in during a short visit!
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium dates back to the year 803 and is said to be the oldest restaurant in Europe. We enjoyed a lovely lunch in the stunning Baroque Room where we were treated to a fabulous musical performance by talented students from the University Mozarteum. Their delightful presentation included most of the songs from “The Sound of Music”.
Dining alfresco is huge everywhere, and Salzburg is no exception. We love to dine outdoors, but since we had just been treated to a wonderful lunch with entertainment, we just passed by and envisioned stopping by a place like this on our next visit!
Perhaps cemeteries should not be described as unique, interesting, or beautiful. Maybe that’s not appropriate, but this describes St. Peter’s cemetery. St. Peter’s Abbey was founded in the 7th century and is considered the oldest monastery still in existence in the German speaking world.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress as viewed from St. Peter’s cemetery and catacombs. This large medieval fortress can be seen from any location near Salzburg as it sits atop Festungsberg Mountain. Archaeological excavations have shown that a Roman fort once existed on the site. Construction of the current fortress began in 1077!
After another pleasant ride through villages and the Austrian countryside, we arrived back in Passau, Germany and prepared to head downstream on the Danube to see what awaits us! Colorful houses like these in Passau are common in villages and cities all along the river.
We pray you have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Beautiful Pam snd Butch. Your stroll through Saltzburg brought back many memories. We were told that Sound of Music, the movie, was not allowed to be shown there and therefore the people of Saltzburg didn’t understand the love of Mirabell and her gardens by Americans. . The tourism groups I see finally “got” it therefore the musicians singing for your lunch. Our daughter did indeed place a “love padlock” on the “Steg”. We shopped on Getreidegasse street where I bought a beautiful tablecloth that was made in France plus a papier-mâché garland that I hang up every Fall. Our trip down the Danube is one of our favorite of all time.
Thank you, Alice. I love hearing your memories on your trip down the Danube. I know the tablecloth and garland are beautiful reminders of that special trip. We heard the same story about The Sound of Music. It seems they are embracing it now. Happy Thursday!
Rick would love to visit Austria/Salzburg because of Mozart; I would like to visit because of Sound of Music! But even if none of those things floated your boat, your photos show what a glorious place it would be to visit — just because! The pix are beautiful and it’s clear to see why your holiday was such a beautiful getaway. (I agree with you about the simplicity of the church and being able to better take it in!)
Jeanie, both of you would love it. It truly is a remarkable city!
Oh the history is fabulous. Love the gardens at Mirabell so pretty. Lovely get away. Hugs Kris
It was a lovely trip and thank you, Kris!
What beautiful photos of Salzburg! It was exactly one year ago that Kelley and I were on our trip. Sigh. I got a sweet little watercolor of a Salzburg street scene from one of the sidewalk artists that I just love.
I am so glad we both have lovely memories of our Danube trip!
The history is mind boggling when you travel overseas. I love the intricate architecture. The churches are so beautiful. The signs are truly a work of art. The grounds are gorgeous. I like the way they plant flowers in the graves. They don’t have to worry about the heat and humidity like we do. We’ve never been to Germany but it certainly looks interesting.The trip sounds magical.Thanks for sharing with us. Happy Thursday! Clara❤️
Yes, there is so much to learn and take in. The gardens are gorgeous, as are the churches! Happy Thursday, Clara ♥️
Good morning, Pam! I have enjoyed reading all about your trip to Salzburg. Your photographs are breathtaking. Salzburg looks like such a beautiful place with its stunning architecture, lovely grounds, and rich history. The University Church is gorgeous, and I love how colorful the houses are. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. Happy Thursday, dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. Salzburg is a remarkable city full of history and beauty!
Thank you for sharing the beauty you found on your trip, I can’t imagine what it feels like to stand in these old places that have so much history…The Collegiate Church is stunning! The narrow streets fascinate me, and the signs are beautiful. It all sounds so amazing!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. It is a beautiful city full of history!
Pam and Butch, the history and beauty is overwhelming indeed! I had to read twice. “The Sound of Music” is one of my favorites! You so beautifully captured the history and icons of things I love. Here in our country we are fascinated by things two centuries ago. There’s so much beauty in our world~so much to see and absorb. Salt burg and the Austrian and German history have me dreaming of being on the Danube. Truly a delight indeed! As always, you describe it perfectly. The photos are stunning. And yes, Pam makes the street more attractive, interesting, and famous! Mozart who? I love you and am so happy to be here to read and see these delights! I will be emailing you. Love and prayers, Karla and Finley 🤍🥰🙏🏻💕🙌🏻🎶🎶🎶☀️
You are always in my heart and prayers, my precious friend ♥️
Thank you, Pam. It means so much to me. ❤️🙏
Thank you, Pam. As are you dead friend. I’ll get to my email tomorrow. My itineraries were set today and my day got away with me! Much love and prayers!❤️🙏🏻
Emailed you ♥️🙏🏻
💚💚💚🙏🙏🙏
What a great trip Pam! I love seeing your pictures. I love cemetaries for so many reasons, but this one takes the cake! What gorgeous gardens! I’d love to be buried somewhere as beautiful as that. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your journeys!
Thank you, Barbara. The cemetery was unbelievably beautiful!
Oh, I am all over anything related to The Sound of Music! What a magnificent trip! Thanks for sharing the photos and details of the city. -Mozart as well – ahh.
So am I! I wanted to break out in, “The hills are alive…” I think my husband would have been embarrassed!
I enjoyed being an armchair traveler with you Pam and Butch! So much history, beauty and architecture to admire. The US is such a young country by comparison. The Collegiate Church is stunning, it’s hard to believe it was ever used to store hay! Thank you for the tour. Happy Thursday ♥
Thank you, Mary. I truly loved Salzburg and the music history!
Pam
What a charming area you both have experienced. You saw so many beautiful sights. I love the narrow streets. When you were visiting you must have always had thoughts of Mozart and the Sound of Music. The history of Salzburg encompassed you.
The gardens were spectacular along with the churches!
Thank you for sharing!
Salzburg is beautiful and music was running through my head the entire time! Thank you, Nancy
Pam
Oh my goodness, such exquisite beauty and creativity….. The Cathedral is a true work of art…
Only needed the music of Mozart in the background to complete the memories…. You have been
blessed to have experienced this magical place in such lovely weather … perfect timing. I’ll not
even touch upon the food…. irresistible.
Thank you, Mary! It truly was a beautiful city ♥️
Wonderful landscapes! Thank you for sharing!
♥️♥️
Wonderful landscapes! Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, thank you dear one!
Pam
The Collegiate Church and those gardens are my favorites of your sights here. Pam, you look great!
Thank you, Rita!
All your photos are lovely and your historical information is top notch. We did this cruise in 2018. I remember standing where you are by the plack of Mozart’s birthplace but don’t see a picture in my photos. We did not take the extra outing to where the Sound of Music was filmed. We did the Mozart Strauss concert instead.
The Gardens are beautiful. I am enjoying your commentary and pictures.
Sorry, I am late. It has been a very busy week. You are smart to do a blog hop and a travel post in the same week!
Bonnie
Thank you, Bonnie. You are never late my friend. I am not sure I am smart, but crazy maybe 😉
Pam this is such a lovely sojourn you are taking us on. And my heart flutters at the heart of Salzburg!!!
Salzburg is a beautiful city with rich history. Thank you, Mary!
I loved this tour of the sights on the Danube Pam & Butch! Thank you for sharing it with us, blessings, Jennifer
Our pleasure, thank you sweet friend!
Pam
I so enjoyed this post. I went to Salzburg about 20 years ago, but we had 2 little kids at the time, so it was a completely different trip than it would be now. I need to go back! Beautiful pictures! Visiting from Love Your Creativity link party.
Oh my goodness Pam. This trip looks amazing. The photos of Salzburg are just beautiful and I love love the pic of you standing outside Mozart’s house. Rita is right – you look fantastic! The cathedral, gardens, and narrow streets are just stunning and how cool to see the fountain where the Sound of Music was filmed. Its my favorite show ever since I was a child and I watch it every Christmas but I’ve never been there myself. Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous stop!
Thank you, Kim. Salzburg is beautiful. I also love The Sound of Music. My two granddaughters are fascinated by the movie. So happy you could travel with us!
This is utterly fascinating! It is unlikely that I will ever leave the US, and it was just wonderful seeing all the sights and reading all the info. in this post. I felt like I was there, walking those streets. SO neat that you saw the spots where the Sound of Music was filmed! And that you got to see where Mozart was born and lived for 26 years! In the gardens that are in front of the cathedral, did you happen to notice the cross? It caught my eye almost instantly. I think it is water shooting up from a fountain with something in the background that made a horizontal line right across the water. To me, it looks just like a cross. I tend to notice crosses, and I think I subconsciously look for them. It made my day to see this one in your lovely photo!
I had not noticed the cross, but I do see it now. I am so glad you enjoyed the arm chair travel, Cheryl! Happy and blessed Sunday to you and your family!
Oh so beautiful! I just love the Sound of Music so I think I’d really enjoy exploring Salzburg and seeing what looks familiar from the movie… but even those things that wouldn’t look at all familiar are still lovely.
Salzburg was a beautiful city that we loved! Thank you, Joanne!