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Mirabell Gardens: A Baroque Masterpiece in Salzburg

Explore Salzburg's baroque jewel: Mirabell Gardens, a UNESCO site with stunning landscapes, history, and Sound of Music fame.

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The Mirabell Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a stunning example of baroque landscape design in the heart of Salzburg. Originally created in the early 17th century, the gardens feature geometrically arranged flowerbeds, sculptures, fountains, and the famous Pegasus Fountain, offering a picturesque and serene escape for visitors.

A brief summary to Mirabellgarten

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the garden's tranquility.
  • Don't miss the Dwarf Garden, the oldest of its kind in Europe, featuring charming marble statues.
  • Explore the Marble Hall in Mirabell Palace, a stunning venue for weddings and concerts.
  • Take photos at the Pegasus Fountain and enjoy the views of Hohensalzburg Fortress.
  • Visit the Hedge Theater, one of the oldest of its kind north of the Alps, where performances are held in summer.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mirabell Gardens are easily accessible on foot from most locations in Salzburg's city center. From the Salzburg Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof), head west toward Schwarzstraße, turn left, and continue until you reach the intersection with Rainerstraße. Turn right onto Rainerstraße and walk straight until you reach Mirabellplatz. The garden entrance will be on your right at Mirabellplatz 3. From the old town (Altstadt), follow the path leading down from the cathedral, cross the bridge over the Salzach River, and continue straight until you reach Mirabellplatz. The garden will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by public transport from Salzburg Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof), take bus line 1 or 2 towards 'Mirabellplatz'. The bus stop is located just outside the station. Get off at the 'Mirabellplatz' stop, which is a short walk from the entrance of Mirabellgarten at Mirabellplatz 3. Alternatively, from the old town (Altstadt), take tram line 1 from the 'Hauptbahnhof' or 'Paracelsusstraße' tram stops towards 'Aigen'. Get off at the 'Mirabellplatz' stop. A single bus or tram fare within Salzburg costs approximately €2-3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg. A short taxi ride from the Salzburg Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Mirabell Gardens typically costs between €7-€10 and takes only a few minutes. A taxi from the old town will cost approximately the same.

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Discover more about Mirabellgarten

Mirabell Gardens, located in Salzburg, Austria, is a breathtaking baroque garden that attracts visitors with its meticulously designed landscapes and vibrant floral arrangements. Established in the early 18th century, the garden is a historical treasure and has served as a backdrop for significant events throughout Salzburg's history. Originally built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau as a residence for his mistress, Salome Alt, and their 15 children, the palace was initially named Schloss Altenau. Later, Archbishop Markus Sittikus renamed it Mirabell, derived from the Italian words 'mirabile' and 'bella,' meaning 'wonderful' and 'beautiful'. The gardens were redesigned around 1690 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach under Archbishop Johann Ernst von Thun. The gardens feature a grand parterre, a central fountain, and sculptures by Ottavio Mosto, symbolizing the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. Other attractions include the Rose Garden, the Dwarf Garden (the oldest of its kind in Europe), and the Hedge Theater. The Marble Hall in Mirabell Palace, once the prince-archbishop's banqueting hall, is now a popular wedding venue and concert hall. The gardens also offer a visual alignment towards the Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress, incorporating it into the historic townscape. Made accessible to the public in 1854 under Emperor Franz Joseph I, Mirabell Gardens gained further fame as a filming location for the iconic 'Do-Re-Mi' scene in The Sound of Music. Today, the gardens remain a popular retreat for locals and tourists, offering a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.

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