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Stift Nonnberg: Salzburg's Ancient Abbey with a 'Sound of Music' Legacy

Explore Salzburg's ancient Nonnberg Abbey: a blend of Gothic art, Romanesque history, and 'Sound of Music' fame in a serene monastic setting.

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Stift Nonnberg, the oldest continuously operating nunnery in the German-speaking world, sits beneath the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Founded in the 8th century, it's famed for its Gothic architecture, Romanesque frescoes, and connection to 'The Sound of Music,' where the real Maria von Trapp was a novice. Visitors can explore the church and grounds, and may even hear the nuns' Gregorian chants.

A brief summary to Stift Nonnberg

Local tips

  • Arrive before 6:45 AM to hear the nuns singing Gregorian chants in the church.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the church and other sacred areas.
  • Take the Nonnbergstiege staircase from Kaigasse for a direct route from the city center, or walk along Festungsgasse.
  • Be respectful and keep noise to a minimum, as the abbey is still an active convent.
  • Check the abbey's schedule for special events and concerts showcasing Salzburg's musical heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Salzburg city center (e.g., Getreidegasse), walk southeast towards the Salzach River. Cross the Makartsteg bridge and continue onto Nonnberggasse. Follow the signs for Stift Nonnberg. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the Nonnbergstiege staircase from Kaigasse. Note that the route is steep and may be difficult for those with limited mobility.

  • Public Transport

    From Mirabellplatz, take Bus Line 25 towards 'Salzburg, Nonnberg'. The bus stops directly at Nonnberg. From the bus stop, it's a short, approximately 5-minute walk to the entrance of Stift Nonnberg. A single bus fare costs between €1 and €2. Alternatively, from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take Bus Line 160 to Salzburg Dr.-Franz-Rehrl-Platz/UKH C. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs €1 - €2.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Salzburg. A taxi from Salzburg Central Train Station (Salzburg Hbf) to Stift Nonnberg costs approximately €8-€10 and takes about 3 minutes. From the city center, expect to pay around €5-€7. Note that these are estimates, and fares may vary.

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Discover more about Stift Nonnberg

Nestled at the foot of the Festungsberg, just below the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, lies Stift Nonnberg, a Benedictine abbey with a history stretching back nearly 1300 years. Founded around 712/715 by Saint Rupert, it stands as the oldest continuously existing nunnery in the German-speaking world. The abbey's church, Maria Himmelfahrt (Assumption of Mary), is Salzburg's oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. While the church's current form is largely late-Gothic, dating from a reconstruction between 1464 and 1506 after a fire, remnants of the original Romanesque structure can still be seen, most notably in the 10th-century Byzantine-style frescoes in the choir. These are some of the oldest frescoes in Austria. The crypt houses the tomb of St. Erentrudis, the first abbess and Salzburg's 'Landesmutter' (Mother of Salzburg). Stift Nonnberg gained international recognition through its association with Maria Kutschera, the real-life inspiration for 'The Sound of Music'. Maria was a novice at the abbey before becoming a governess to the von Trapp family. Although the movie wasn't filmed here, the abbey's connection to the story continues to draw visitors from around the world. Visitors can explore the church with its rib-vaulted ceiling, admire the late-Gothic winged altar, and soak in the serene atmosphere. The nuns still sing Gregorian chants every morning, a tradition that adds to the abbey's unique charm. The main church, gardens, and cemetery are open to the public.

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