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Salzburg Residence: A Palace of Power and Art

Explore centuries of power and art at the Salzburg Residence, a magnificent palace in the heart of Salzburg's historic Old Town.

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The Salzburg Residence, or Residenz, stands as a testament to the power and artistry of Salzburg's Prince-Archbishops. This palace, located in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, has evolved from a medieval bishop's seat into a stunning Baroque complex, showcasing opulent state rooms and a rich art collection.

A brief summary to Salzburg Residence

Local tips

  • Allow ample time to explore the Residenzgalerie, which features a diverse collection of European paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.
  • Check the DomQuartier Salzburg website for events, as the state rooms are sometimes used for concerts and receptions.
  • Consider purchasing a Salzburg Card for free access to the DomQuartier, which includes the Salzburg Residence, and other attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Salzburg Residence is centrally located in the Altstadt (Old Town), making it easily accessible on foot from many points of interest. From Salzburg Cathedral, walk west across the Domplatz (Cathedral Square) to reach the Residenzplatz, where the palace is located. The entrance is clearly marked.

  • Public Transport

    Salzburg's public transportation network of buses and trolleybuses provides convenient access to the Residence. Several bus lines stop at or near Ferdinand Hanusch Platz, a short walk from the Residenz. A single ticket within the core zone costs €2.40 if purchased in advance or €3.00 when bought on board. Consider a 24-hour ticket for €4.90 (advance) or €6.40 (on board) for multiple trips.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg. A short taxi ride to the Residenz from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) will cost approximately €10-€15, with a starting fare of €3.90. Taxis can drop passengers off near the Residenzplatz.

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Discover more about Salzburg Residence

The Salzburg Residence, also known as the Alte Residenz or Old Residence, is a palace located at Domplatz and Residenzplatz in the historic center (Altstadt) of Salzburg, Austria. First mentioned around 1120, it served for centuries as the residence of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, who used the palace to showcase their political status. Today, the Salzburg Residenz houses an art gallery, known as the Residenzgalerie, and is one of the city's most impressive attractions. Construction began under Archbishop Conrad I, who relocated his residence from St Peter's Abbey to its present site near Salzburg Cathedral. The palace took on its present Renaissance appearance under Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau between 1587 and 1612, with probable designs by Italian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi. Each subsequent archbishop left their mark, resulting in a blend of architectural styles. Following Salzburg's secularization in 1803, the Residenz became a residence for the Austrian imperial dynasty. Emperor Francis' widow, Caroline Augusta of Bavaria, resided here, as did members of the Habsburg-Tuscany branch. In 1923, the Residenzgalerie opened to replace the prince-archbishops' art collection lost during the Napoleonic wars. The Salzburg Residence boasts over 180 rooms and three spacious courtyards. The state rooms on the second floor, including the Carabinierisaal (Carabinieri Hall) and Rittersaal (Knight's Room), are used for state functions, meetings, and conventions. The Rittersaal is known for its exceptional acoustics and was the site of a performance of Mozart's violin concerto in A major in 1775. The Residenz Gallery exhibits a collection of paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.

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