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Mirabell Palace & Gardens: A Salzburg Jewel

Experience the Baroque splendor of Salzburg at Mirabell Palace & Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its history, architecture, and 'Sound of Music' fame.

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Mirabell Palace and its gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must-see in Salzburg. Originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress Salome Alt, it boasts stunning Baroque architecture and meticulously designed gardens, offering a serene escape with a touch of history.

A brief summary to Mirabell Palace

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the gardens' tranquility.
  • Check the schedule for concerts in the Marble Hall for an enchanting experience in a historic setting.
  • The Dwarf Garden and Hedge Theatre are closed during winter months. Plan accordingly if these are must-see attractions for you.
  • Entry to Mirabell Palace and Gardens is free, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
  • If you're a 'Sound of Music' fan, take some time to find the locations where the movie was filmed within the gardens.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Salzburg's Old Town, cross the Makartsteg bridge and walk along Makartplatz towards the Landestheater. The entrance to Mirabell Gardens is adjacent to the theater. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and offers scenic views.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus or trolleybus to the 'Mirabellplatz' stop, which is serviced by numerous lines (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 21, 22, 25, 151). From Mirabellplatz, the gardens are a short walk away. A single bus fare costs between €1-2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg. A short taxi ride from the Salzburg train station (Salzburg Hbf) to Mirabell Palace costs approximately €6-7 and takes only a few minutes.

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Discover more about Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace and Gardens, located in the heart of Salzburg, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and garden design. The palace was originally constructed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress, Salome Alt, and their 15 children. Initially named Altenau Palace, it was renamed Mirabell (from the Italian 'mirabile' meaning wonderful and 'bella' meaning beautiful) by Dietrich's successor, Markus Sittikus, in 1612. In the early 18th century, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach commissioned a redesign by the renowned Baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt, resulting in the palace's current appearance. The Marble Hall, once the Prince-Archbishop's ballroom, is a highlight, famed for its opulent marble pillars, intricate stucco work, and ceiling frescoes. Leopold Mozart and his children, Wolfgang and Nannerl, performed here, and today it's a sought-after wedding venue and concert hall. The Mirabell Gardens, reshaped around 1690 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, showcase the geometric forms characteristic of the Baroque age. The gardens offer a visual alignment towards the Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress, enhancing their grandeur. Key features include the Grand Parterre with its Pegasus Fountain, the Dwarf Garden (the oldest of its kind in Europe), and the Hedge Theatre. The gardens gained further fame as a location in 'The Sound of Music'. Today, Mirabell Palace houses the offices of Salzburg's mayor and the municipal administration. The Marble Hall continues to host weddings, conferences, and concerts. The palace and gardens are easily accessible and offer barrier-free access.

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