Salzburg, Austria

Of all the places my father has traveled (he has been to over 25 countries), he always told me that the city of Salzburg was his favorite. So when we found ourselves in Germany again this past summer we made it a point to take a train down to Austria to visit his favorite place.

“Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria. In 2020 its population was 156,852. The city lies on the Salzach River, near the border with Germany and at the foot of the Alps mountains.” – Wikipedia

“The fortress of Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, dates from the 11th century.” – Wikipedia Unfortunately, we were not able to tour the fortress during this trip. I guess we’ll just have to go back.

“The Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg, also known as the Altstadt, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996…The listing of the World Heritage Site describes it thus: “Salzburg has managed to preserve an extraordinarily rich urban fabric, developed over the period from the Middle Ages to the 19th century…” – Wikipedia

Shopkeepers in the past hung oversized, three-dimensional items or pictures instead of written signs because most people of the time were unable to read. Getreidegasse still has many of these signs hanging above the shops.

Also on this busy street, at No. 9, you will find the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

“The Mozart family resided on the third floor from 1747 to 1773, and Mozart was born in the residence on 27 January 1756. He was the seventh child of Leopold Mozart, who was a musician with the Salzburg Royal Chamber.” – Wikipedia

“Since 1880, the building has housed a museum, which depicts the early life of Mozart, his first musical instruments, his friends, and his passionate interest in opera. The third floor exhibits Mozart’s childhood violin as well as portraits, documents, and early editions of his music, and the second floor is devoted to Mozart’s interest in opera and includes the clavichord on which he composed The Magic Flute.”

“The Petersfriedhof or St. Peter’s Cemetery is – together with the burial site at Nonnberg Abbey – the oldest cemetery in the Austrian city of Salzburg, located at the foot of the Festungsberg with Hohensalzburg Castle. It is one of Salzburg’s most popular tourist attractions.”

“The Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter’s Cemetery, is the oldest Christian graveyard in Salzburg, dating back to 1627. It is a worthy attraction in itself, but many visitors come here to see the place where the Von Trapp family hid out in The Sound of Music.” – Sacred Destinations

“Apart from ground burials there are catacombs which have been carved into the mountain side, these burial sites could be as early as 400-800AD and were probably used by Christians hiding from the invading Barbarians. There are two catacomb chapels, the Maximuskapelle and the Gertraudenkapelle which was consecrated in 1178 and dedicated to the assassinated archbishop of Canterbury, England. Above ground there is another chapel, Margarethenkapelle, which is in the center of the grave yard.” – Visit a City

Near the entrance to the cemetery, in the Kapitelplatz square, stands this very unique statue. Stephan Balkenhol’s massive, golden sculpture – Sphaera, which is meant to represent everyman. It stands about 9 meters (almost 30 feet) tall.

When we travel we like to sample as many local foods as we can. While in Salzburg Joel found something unique – a cooking class of traditional foods. We had a great time making and eating some of the local desserts – apple strudel and Salzburger nockerl.

The food was delicious. And, despite the fact that it rained the whole time we were here, Salzburg is a great place to visit.

One last picture of a young Jerry Gregory. Thanks for passing on the excitement and interest in exploring new places.