Mirabell Palace and Gardens Tours and Activities

Mirabell Palace's romantic story combined with its beautiful baroque design have made it one of the most popular wedding venues in the world. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, had the palace built for his mistress Salome Alt. Von Raitenau's profession meant that he wasn't allowed to marry, and his attempt to get a special dispensation from the pontifex to do so failed. To get around this, he built Mirabell Palace on what was then the edge of Salzburg, and they lived together there until his death, having a total of 16 children.The Marble Hall is the palace’s star attraction, both with lovers dreaming of their nuptials and with those who appreciate architecture. The sculptor Raphael Donner carved the wonderful statues on the marble staircase, all of which thankfully survived a large fire in 1818.The gorgeous gardens are another big attraction here, with their immaculate landscaping. Spend some time taking in the impressive Pegasus Fountain, which is surrounded with sculptures by Ottavio Mosto of the four elements: water, air, fire and earth. The Dwarf Garden hosts sculptures of real people from the 18th century.As with most places in Salzburg, Mirabell Palace has a strong connection with the highest calibre of music. Both the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras play here in the Marble Hall during the Salzburg Palace Concerts series – following in the footsteps of a young Mozart and his sister. The Hedge Theatre also hosts orchestral and choral events. Furthermore, a number of scenes from “The Sound of Music” were filmed here.Mirabell Palace can be comfortably walked to from the western side of Kapuzinerberg. From Getreidgasse, cross the Makarsteg footbridge, or take a public bus from the city.Open on a daily basis, except during special events, the palace and gardens keep varying hours – best to check online before your trip. The Dwarf Garden and the Hedge Theatre are closed during winter.