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Mirabell Palace: A Baroque Jewel in Salzburg

Discover Salzburg's enchanting Mirabell Palace & Gardens: a Baroque masterpiece, wedding venue, and 'Sound of Music' film location.

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Mirabell Palace, with its stunning gardens, is a highlight of Salzburg, Austria. Originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress Salome Alt, it has since been transformed into a beautiful Baroque complex, famed for its Marble Hall and gardens used in 'The Sound of Music'.

A brief summary to Mirabell Palace

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience in the gardens.
  • Check the Marble Hall's schedule in advance, as it may be closed for special events like weddings.
  • Explore the Dwarf Garden and Hedge Theatre for unique and historical garden features.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to both the palace and gardens.
  • Don't miss the iconic Pegasus Fountain, featured in 'The Sound of Music'.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mirabell Palace is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most points in Salzburg's Old Town. From Salzburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight ahead, crossing the Mirabellplatz; the palace and gardens will be directly in front of you. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The 'Mirabellplatz' bus stop is served by numerous bus lines. From Salzburg Central Station, several bus lines will take you to Mirabellplatz in under 10 minutes. Check Salzburg Verkehr for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ticket purchased from a vending machine costs €2.50, or €3.00 if purchased on board. A 24-hour ticket costs €4.90 from a vending machine or €6.40 on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg. You can find taxi stands at the Salzburg Central Station and in the city center, or call a taxi. A short taxi ride from the central station or a hotel in the city center to Mirabell Palace will typically cost between €6 and €10. Be aware that fares may increase at night.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, parking is available at the Mirabell-Congress-Garage, located opposite the Mirabell Palace. This garage provides convenient access to the palace and gardens. Parking fees apply; expect to pay around €3 per hour, with a daily maximum of €30. Parking around the Mirabell Palace is subject to charges from Monday to Friday until 7 p.m. and Saturdays until 4 p.m.

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Discover more about Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to Salzburg's rich history and architectural beauty. Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau commissioned the palace, initially named Altenau Palace, in 1606 as a token of love for Salome Alt, with whom he had 15 children. After Wolf Dietrich's death, his successor, Markus Sittikus, renamed it Mirabell Palace, derived from the Italian words 'mirabile' and 'bella,' meaning 'wonderful' and 'beautiful'. The palace was significantly redesigned between 1721 and 1727 by the renowned Baroque architect Lukas von Hildebrandt, resulting in the magnificent complex visitors admire today. A fire in 1818 caused substantial damage, but the Marble Hall and the marble staircase miraculously survived. The palace's Neoclassical appearance dates back to its restoration after the fire. Today, Mirabell Palace serves as the office of Salzburg's mayor and the municipal council. The Marble Hall, once the Prince-Archbishop's ballroom, now hosts concerts, weddings, and award ceremonies, and is considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. The Mirabell Gardens, first opened to the public in 1854 by Emperor Franz Joseph, are celebrated as some of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe. The gardens feature the Grand Parterre, a geometrically arranged space with a central fountain and statues symbolizing the four elements. Other highlights include the Pegasus Fountain, the Hedge Theatre, and the Dwarf Garden. The gardens gained international fame after being featured in 'The Sound of Music,' where Maria and the von Trapp children famously sang 'Do-Re-Mi' around the Pegasus Fountain.

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