Built in 1587, this square with the stunning Residenzbrunnen fountain at its centre is one of the most beautiful in Salzburg.
Residenzplatz was commissioned by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau at the end of the 16th century. Baroque and Renaissance architecture rub shoulders here in the form of the square's two bishop's palaces. In the present day, the square is used for a range of public events, such as screenings of sporting events, large-scale concerts and fairs. It is also a pleasantly bustling open space, and a great place to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.The heart of the square is the Residenzbrunnen (Residence Fountain). This Baroque fountain is one of the finest of its kind in Europe, and was designed by the sculptor Tommaso di Garone – it certainly deserves a closer look. Enjoy the horses springing out from the stone of the fountain, along with the figures of dolphins and of Atlas holding up the world. A Triton sits in the upper basin, with water spouting skywards from his shell.Take an audio tour of the Residenz, a grand palace from the 13th century and containing 180 rooms including the famous Rittersaal. Mozart performed here, and it continues to be used for the glory of music in the form of the Salzburg Palace Concerts series. The Residenz Gallery hosts some excellent European art, so make sure to stay and enjoy it for a while.The eastern side of Residenzplatz is home to the New Residence, and there are also a number of museums on the square. One top tip is the Panorama Museum, which houses an unusual and highly impressive round painting showing the city in 1829 – it reaches a total of 26 metres all the way round.Visit here in December for the lights and merrymaking of the Christmas market. Savour a mulled wine to keep away the chill, and browse through the many different wares on offer, from food and drink to traditional local seasonal and alpine crafts. Earlier in the year, in September, St Rupert's Fair sees the square dedicated to children, with a light-hearted range of carousels and other amusements.Centrally located in the Old Town, Residenzplatz is within easy walking distance of most of Salzburg's main attractions. It's also easily reached by public transport with plentiful buses running from the central rail station.
