Mozartplatz: A Salzburg Homage to its Musical Son

Mozartplatz, located in the heart of Salzburg's Altstadt (Old Town), stands as a tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the city's most celebrated composer. Originally named Michaelsplatz, the square dates back to the early 17th century. Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau initiated a redevelopment project that involved demolishing several houses to create the square.Initially, a baroque fountain with a statue of St. Michael graced the square's center. However, in 1842, the Mozart Monument was unveiled, forever linking the plaza to Mozart's legacy. The Mozart Monument, crafted by Ludwig Schwanthaler, is the square's centerpiece. The unveiling was initially planned for 1841, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Mozart's death, but was delayed due to the discovery of a Roman mosaic during construction. The mosaic, bearing the inscription "hic habitat (felicitas), nihil intret mali" – "Here lives (happiness), let nothing evil enter" – was carefully preserved, and a copy can still be seen at the foot of the statue. King Ludwig I of Bavaria donated the marble pedestal upon which the statue stands.Mozartplatz is bordered by historically significant buildings. The Imhofstöckl, on the north side, houses the city's tourist information office. Behind the Imhofstöckl is a section of the old city wall, dating back to Prince-Archbishop Paris Lodron's era (1619–1653). On the south side stands the Neue Residenz (New Residence), home to the Salzburg Museum since 2007, showcasing Salzburg's art and cultural history. Mozartplatz 8, on the east side, was once the residence of Constanze Mozart-Nissen, Mozart's widow. On the west side are the Salzburg Christmas Museum and Café Glockenspiel.