Salzburg is one of Austria’s most recognisable cities. Situated on the River Salzach at the foot of the Alps, it developed over the centuries as the seat of powerful archbishops who not only exercised religious authority but also ruled their own state. Thanks to the wealth generated, among other sources, by the salt trade, the city became one of the most important political and economic centres of Central Europe.

For centuries, Salzburg was the capital of an independent ecclesiastical principality whose rulers ranked among the most powerful princes of the Holy Roman Empire. Unlike many other cities in the region, Salzburg did not develop under the rule of a royal or ducal dynasty. For almost a thousand years, it remained governed by prince-archbishops who combined religious and secular authority.

The most distinctive feature of Salzburg’s skyline is osing Hohensalzburg Fortress that rises above the city on Festungsberg and has dominated the landscape since the late eleventh century. Over the following centuries it was enlarged by successive archbishops, becoming a symbol of their power and independence.

Construction of the first fortifications began in 1077 during the conflict between the Papacy and the Empire. In the centuries that followed, the fortress was systematically expanded until it reached its present dimensions. Despite numerous conflicts and wars, the fortress was never captured during a formal siege. Its silhouette can be seen from almost every part of the old town. Stretching for more than 250 metres, it is also one of the largest surviving medieval defensive complexes in Europe. Within its walls are the former apartments of the archbishops, a chapel, courtyards and a system of fortifications that was expanded over successive centuries.

At the foot of the fortress lies one of the city’s most historic corners – St Peter’s Abbey and the neighbouring Petersfriedhof cemetery. The site forms part of one of the oldest continuously functioning monastic complexes in the German-speaking world.

Surrounded by arcades and rock faces, the cemetery has served for centuries as the burial place of Salzburg’s residents.

Petersfriedhof is distinguished by its unusual location between the city’s buildings and the steep cliffs of Mönchsberg. Its characteristic arcaded tombs, partially carved into the rock, create one of Salzburg’s most recognisable spaces.

Above the cemetery are early Christian catacombs cut into the mountainside, among the oldest monuments in the city. Particularly striking are the richly decorated wrought-iron grave crosses and the family tombs concealed beneath the arcades. In many places it is difficult to tell where architecture ends and the natural rock of Mönchsberg begins.

The focal point of the old town is Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), a monumental Baroque cathedral dedicated to St Rupert and St Virgil. The present church was built in the seventeenth century following the destruction of earlier buildings by fire. Its impressive dome and richly decorated interiors make it one of the most important monuments of Austrian Baroque architecture. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose name remains inseparably linked with the city’s history, was baptised here.

The present cathedral is the third church to have stood on this site. Designed by Italian architects, it clearly reflects the influence of the great churches of Rome. Its light-coloured façade, monumental dome and richly decorated interior contrast with the austerity of the medieval fortress overlooking the city. One of the most distinctive features of the interior is its white Baroque stuccowork. Depending on the time of day and the quality of light, it can range in appearance from almost pure white to warm cream and golden tones.