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Mirabell Palace: A Baroque Jewel in Salzburg

Explore Salzburg's Mirabell Palace: a baroque masterpiece with stunning gardens, rich history, and Sound of Music fame.

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Mirabell Palace, with its stunning gardens, is a highlight of Salzburg, Austria. Originally built in 1606, it offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a serene escape in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Mirabell Palace

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds in the gardens.
  • Check the schedule for the Marble Hall in advance, as it may be closed for weddings or special events.
  • Don't miss the Dwarf Garden, one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.
  • Take a stroll through the Rose Garden for a romantic experience, especially during the warmer months.
  • Enjoy the panoramic view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress from the gardens.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mirabell Palace is easily accessible on foot from most locations within Salzburg's Old Town. From Salzburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight ahead, following the signs for Mirabell Gardens. Cross the Salzach River via the Makartsteg bridge, and you'll find the gardens entrance just ahead. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by train at Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, you can take bus lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 22, or 25 to the 'Mirabellplatz' bus stop, which is directly in front of Mirabell Palace. The bus journey takes only a few minutes. Purchase tickets at vending machines at the bus stops or directly from the bus driver. A single bus fare is around €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg, including at the main train station. A taxi ride from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Mirabell Palace takes only a few minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €6-€7 for the short trip. Taxi stands are located outside the train station and near Mirabellplatz.

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Discover more about Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace, or Schloss Mirabell, is one of Salzburg's most iconic landmarks, famed for its Baroque architecture and picturesque gardens. Constructed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau as a token of love for his mistress, Salome Alt, the palace was initially named Altenau Palace. The palace was later renamed Mirabell by his successor, Markus Sittikus, drawing from the Italian words 'mirabile' and 'bella,' meaning 'wonderful' and 'beautiful'. Over the centuries, Mirabell Palace has undergone several transformations. In the 18th century, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach commissioned a Baroque redesign by Lukas von Hildebrandt, creating the cohesive complex visitors admire today. A fire in 1818 caused significant damage, leading to a Neoclassical restoration. Despite these changes, the Marble Hall and the staircase remained intact. Today, Mirabell Palace serves as the office of the Mayor of Salzburg and the municipal administration. The Marble Hall, once the prince-archbishop's ballroom, is now a sought-after wedding venue and concert hall, where Leopold Mozart and his children, Wolfgang and Nannerl, once performed. The Mirabell Gardens are a major draw, featuring geometrically arranged flowerbeds, statues, and fountains. Highlights include the Grand Parterre, the Pegasus Fountain, the Hedge Theater, and the Dwarf Garden. The gardens also gained fame as a filming location for 'The Sound of Music,' where Maria and the von Trapp children sang 'Do-Re-Mi' around the Pegasus Fountain. The gardens are open daily from morning until dusk and offer free admission.

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