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Mirabell Palace: A Baroque Jewel in Salzburg

Discover Salzburg's enchanting 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. Built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, it's a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace and gardens are famous for their appearance in 'The Sound of Music' and offer a delightful experience for visitors.

A brief summary to Mirabell Palace

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the opening hours for the Marble Hall in advance, as it may be closed for weddings or special events.
  • Explore the various sections of the Mirabell Gardens, including the Grand Parterre, the Dwarf Garden, and the Hedge Theatre.
  • Take a walk around the gardens to capture the stunning views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Cathedral.
  • Consider attending a classical concert in the Marble Hall for an unforgettable experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mirabell Palace is centrally located in Salzburg and easily accessible on foot from most points in the Old Town. From the Salzburg Cathedral, cross the Makartsteg bridge over the Salzach River and continue straight onto Mirabellplatz. The palace and gardens will be directly ahead. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Mirabellplatz is a major transportation hub in Salzburg, with numerous bus lines stopping directly in front of the palace. From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 22, or 25 to the 'Mirabellplatz' stop. The ride is short, and tickets can be purchased at vending machines at the bus stops or directly from the bus driver. A single ride ticket costs around €2-3.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Salzburg. A taxi ride from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Mirabell Palace typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €8-12. You can ask your driver to drop you off directly at Mirabellplatz.

  • Driving

    Driving to Mirabell Palace is possible, but parking in the immediate vicinity is limited and can be expensive. The Mirabell-Congress-Garage is an underground parking garage located opposite the palace. The entrance is at Faberstrasse 6-8. Parking fees apply, with hourly rates around €3-4. Be aware that parking around 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, or Schloss Mirabell in German, is a historic landmark in Salzburg, Austria, renowned for its architectural beauty and serene gardens. Originally constructed in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress, Salome Alt, the palace was initially named Altenau Palace. The palace was later renamed Mirabell by Raitenau's successor, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems. The name combines the Italian words 'mirabile' (admirable) and 'bella' (beautiful). Over the centuries, Mirabell Palace has undergone several transformations. From 1721 to 1727, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach commissioned a redesign in the Baroque style by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. A fire in 1818 caused significant damage, leading to a Neoclassical restoration around 1818. Today, the palace houses the offices of Salzburg's mayor and municipal administration. The Marble Hall is one of the palace's most famous rooms, once serving as the Prince-Archbishop's ballroom and concert hall. Leopold Mozart and his children, Wolfgang and Nannerl, performed here. Today, the Marble Hall is a sought-after wedding venue and hosts concerts and ceremonies. The Angel Staircase, adorned with cherubic figures, leads to the Marble Hall. The Mirabell Gardens, first opened to the public in 1854 by Emperor Franz Joseph, are considered among the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe. Designed in 1690 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, the gardens feature geometrically arranged flowerbeds, statues, and fountains. Key features include the Grand Parterre, the Pegasus Fountain, the Hedge Theatre, and the Dwarf Garden. The gardens offer a visual alignment towards the Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress. The gardens gained further fame as a location in 'The Sound of Music'.

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