The Mirabell Palace and its gardens have been one of the main tourist attractions in Salzburg for decades, mainly because they featured the famous sound of music . Maria and von Trapp’s children dance around their Pegasus Fountain in the film, singing “Do-Re-Mi.” But you don’t have to be a fan of the musical to enjoy Mirabell. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the baroque palace is easily one of the most impressive landmarks in the city, and also one of the most popular wedding venues. The best of this?
It is completely free, so you can visit again and again.
History of the Mirabell Palace
Mirabell Palace dates from 1606. Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau built it to impress his beloved lover Salome Alt. And it seems that the palace, in its early days called “Altenau”, did the trick: it is said that! the daughter of a Jewish merchant had 15 children with the Prince Archbishop! However, the happy days of the family came to an end suddenly when Wolf Dietrich was overthrown and imprisoned. He died behind bars in 1617.
His nephew and successor Markus Sittikus was not very impressed with Wolf Dietrich’s secret love nest. He changed the name of the palace to “Mirabell”, a compilation of the Italian words “mirabile” (admirable) and “bella” (beautiful) and tried to shed its “immoral” reputation. Between 1721 and 1727, Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach hired the Baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt to remodel it. On April 30, 1818, the palace was heavily damaged by a city fire. Most of the frescoes were destroyed, but the great marble staircase and the Marble Hall remained intact.
Peter de Nobile, court architect and director of the Vienna School of Architecture, gave the palace its current neoclassical look. Today, the mayor of Salzburg uses Mirabell as his office, while Marble Hall regularly attracts couples to ‘get married’. The unspoiled gardens serve as a recreational area for locals and tourists alike.
Highlights of the visit
Marble Hall is undoubtedly the most popular site in the Mirabell Palace, but the ‘Donnerstiege’ (‘Thunder Staircase’) leading up to it is a baroque gem in its own right. Admire the many sculptures and paintings as you climb.
The Marble Hall itself, formerly the banquet hall of the prince archbishops, is filled with playful statues of angels and excessive stucco work. Widely regarded as one of the most romantic wedding halls in the world (if you want to get married here, plan at least a year or two in advance!), The great hall also hosts Mozart concerts almost every night. The composer himself performed here regularly together with his sister, Nannerl.
In the southern part, you will find the castle chapel. Re-modeled after the 1818 fire, it strikes with round apsis, a vaulted ceiling, and baroque statues of Saints Augustine, Rupert, Virgil, and Martin. The altar dating from 1722 is the only artifact that survived the flames.
While the interiors of the palace are impressive, many find its gardens even more striking. Redesigned by Johann Ernst von Thun in 1690, its geometric shape, typical of the Baroque, is visible to this day. Bring your camera (or iPhone), as the many colorful gardens offer great photo opportunities.
One of the highlights is the aforementioned Pegasus Fountain, designed by Austrian artist Kaspar Gras, which features a sculpture of the famous horse. Take your selfie in von Trapp style before making your way through the rest of the garden.
While the Rose Garden (aka The Sound of Music ) is one of the most romantic spots in Mirabell, the Dwarf Garden, created in 1715, is the oldest of its kind in Europe. Most of the 17 statues were modeled after dwarfs who served as artists for the archbishop. The Hedge Theater in the western section is used for performances during the summer and the conservatory as a palm house all year round (a perfect place to dry off on a rainy day!).
how to visit
The Mirabell Palace is located on the eastern bank of the Salzach River, a short walk from the historic center. The entrance to the Mirabell Gardens is next to the Landestheater (Schwarzsteinstraße 22).
The Marble Hall is open from 8 am to 4 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 1 pm to 4 pm on Tuesday and Friday (except when obviously there are weddings). There are classical music concerts almost every night, tickets from 32 euros. Book in advance!
The gardens can be visited daily from 6am until dusk. Come early in the morning or an hour or two before closing to beat the crowds. Please note that the Dwarf Garden and the Hedge Theater are closed in winter.
Entry to the palace and gardens is free.
What to do nearby
The most popular sights of Salzburg are just a short walk from Mirabell. Cross the Salzach and you will find yourself in the middle of the bustling historic center.
The number one attraction is the Salzburg Cathedral, an early Baroque basilica famous for its bulbous copper dome, twin spiers, and the font where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized.
Around the corner, you can take the Hohensalzburg Castle funicular (or climb). The fortress atop the Festungsberg features impressive interiors, three museums, and impressive views of the city.
Afterward, visit Getreidegasse, the most famous street in Salzburg full of fashion and chocolate shops. Don’t leave without stocking up on delicious “Mozart balls.”
