Salzburg is famous for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time, and your private tour of this UNESCO city begins in Mozart Square where your expert English speaking guide will meet you. The square is famous for its colossal bronze statue of the city’s musical hero.
This two-hour private walking tour explores the highlights of historic Salzburg, including iconic panoramic views of the city from the bridge and a fascinating tour of the 17th century baroque cathedral with its mighty dome, impressive towers, and the baptismal font where Mozart was christened!
Salzburg is also famous for its quaint narrow streets and magnificent open squares lined with baroque architecture. On the craggy hill overlooking the city is the imposing medieval Hohensalzburg fortress. After you’ve explored the interior of the stunning cathedral, you’ll visit all the highlights of the Old City including the Old Market. From here you’ll walk down Getreidegasse, the most famous shopping street and where the young Mozart lived at number 9 until he was 17.
Walking through Sigmund’s gate into Karajan Square, fans of the classic Hollywood movie the Sound of Music will be delighted to see the Horse Pond (Pferdeschwemme). Built in 1603 as a place to wash the parade horses of the princely archbishops of the city, the statue of the Horse Tamer and the amazing frescoes gives us a unique insight to the customs of the age. It is also visited by Maria and the Von Trapp children!
You’ll walk past Festival Hall, opened in 1960 it is one of the biggest concert halls in the world, and hear about Salzburg as a global center for music to this day. Finally, you’ll walk into the beautiful, tranquil and evocative grounds and buildings of St Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery. The first abbey was built in 696 by the Bishop of Worms; today’s church dates back to the 12th century and is a combination of many styles – including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. Both Mozart and Haydn had works commissioned by the Abbey.
The cemetery dates back to late antiquity and is decorated with many impressive funerary monuments and Gothic crypts. You’ll hear of many famous personalities who are buried here. You may also recognize the atmospheric Abbey and Cemetery from the Sound of Music when the Von Trapp family goes on the run and into hiding. The tour ends inside the cemetery grounds for you to continue exploring, or you’re a short walk from cafes, bars and restaurants in the Old Town.