A cathedral since the 8th century, the current structure is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.
In 774 the Bishop Virgil founded a cathedral at the site of a Roman town called Juvavum. Over the centuries, it suffered the ravages of eight different fires. The worst of these was in 1598, when the building was left largely in ruins. From the ashes sprung the beauty of Baroque architecture we can still see today. Designed by the famed architect Santino Solari, it has achieved fame across the continent.Arch your neck and look up at the dome – two rows of frescoes depicting scenes from the Old Testament adorn the interior. These were painted by Donato Mascagni of Florence, and have achieved justified renown. A number of paintings in the main nave are also his.Mozart was baptised in the Romanesque baptismal font, and later went on to become the organist for the cathedral from 1779 to 1781. His famous Coronation Mass had its first public recital here. In the present day, his music and that of many other master composers is performed every summer during the annual Salzburg Festival on the square.You'll pass a number of sculptures on your way through the main gate into the cathedral. These depict the patron saint of Salzburg, St Rupert, and the cathedral's patron saint, St Virgil. Two apostles, St Peter and St Paul are also honoured and commemorated.Salzburgers will tell you that the seven enormous cathedral bells create a sound that's unrivalled in Austria. Their argument will seem pretty convincing as you listen to these bells ring out across the city. The enormous Salvatorglock (Salvation Bell) weighs in at a massive 14 tonnes. Only two of the original bells remain in place, the Maria and Virgil bells, with the remainder having had to be replaced over the years.Situated in the Old Town, Salzburg Cathedral is an easy walk from many of the city's other landmarks, such as the nearby Residenz Palace. A bus from the train station will bring you to the Mozartsteg/Rudolfskai stop.The cathedral is open on a daily basis, except on Sunday mornings and public holidays. Closing times can change throughout the year, so it's best to check the cathedral website before your visit. Entrance is free, but donations towards the upkeep are always gratefully received.
