Salzburg is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Mozart. And you can still find the odd homage to the composer around the town.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 to Leopold and Anna Maria Mozart right in the heart of the city of Salzburg, and he would grow to become one of the most influential composers of the classical period, still celebrated for his talent today.
Salzburg is a wonderfully cultural city in Austria, full of history from a range of periods, stunning architecture and lots to see and do. There are various Mozart-themed tourist attractions that are still drawing loads of visitors. The house where Mozart was born, or Mozart’s Geburtshaus, is now one of the most visited museums in Austria. The house, No. 9 Getreidegasse, is located in the old town and you can spend around an hour wandering original rooms that have been recreated to look as authentic as possible, and view the special exhibitions which include various artefacts, memorabilia and portraits, the actual violin Mozart played as a child along with letters and paintings. It was the International Mozarteum Foundation who first opened a museum in the house back in 1880.
The museum is open daily but you can take a look at the different opening times and prices on the website.
Following their years in Getreidegasse, the Mozart family moved to Makartplatz in 1773, to a house that was known as the Dance Master’s House just across the Salzach River. This remained Mozart’s father’s residence until his death in 1787. Though parts of the building were sadly destroyed in air raids during the Second World War, the Mozart Residence was taken over and reconstructed by the International Mozart Foundation. It is now a museum that houses many of the Mozart family’s original artefacts. There are often special exhibitions on inside.
Take a look at the website here for opening times and prices.
Though Mozart moved to Vienna when he was 25, seeking better opportunities and earning his fame, Salzburg will always be where the famous composer started out. The city celebrates annually with Mozart Week, usually around the final week of January to coincide with his birthday, and this is a brilliant way to keep the Mozart magic alive and interactive. There are plenty of concerts to keep you entertained in the Mozarteum Salzburg, which is an esteemed university that houses two concert halls. You can see all the events that are coming up on their website.
As you wander in his footsteps and visit the streets he walked as a child and young man you can make your way to the Mozartplatz where you’ll find the giant Mozart monument, which was erected in 1842. There are a number of squares and interesting buildings to enjoy as you explore. The city sprawls across each side of the Salzach River and is adorned with wonderful churches, spectacular gardens and interesting back streets.
