Salzburg
Then and Now
The City of Salzburg grew from the ancient Roman settlement of Juvavum during the reign of Claudius in 45 A.D. The city and river derive their names from the early residents who earned their income in the nearby salt mines. The mines located in nearby Hallein, date back to Celtic times and were responsible for bringing tremendous wealth to this region. This wealth was responsible for the establishment of a monastery and bishopric around 700 A.D. Spectacular Romanesque and Baroque buildings resulted and remain in the Old City today.
This beautiful city, often referred to by historians as "Florence of the North" and "The German Rome", lies on the banks of the Salzach River in the Austrian Province of Salzburg. The Salzach divides the city with the Altstadt or Old City on the left bank. Two mountains lie within the city boundaries. Monschberg overlooks the Altstadt and Kapuzinerberg lies on the other side of the river. Located on Monschberg is the spectacular Festung Hohensalzburg overlooking Salzburg and the surrounding valley. Kapuzinberg contains an active cloister and fortifications. Salzburg is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The Altstadt
The Altstadt and the 'new' city are a study in contrast. The Altstadt contains winding narrow cobblestone streets with many shops, restaurants, churches and museums. The narrow streets are lined with wrought iron signs advertising the business or trade offered within. They open onto large plazas filled with statuary, fountains and markets. We saw street musicians, jugglers and horse drawn carriages. A myriad collage of sights and sounds and colors. You could imagine the people walking these same streets hundreds of years ago. Except today there are cars as well as carriage. Cars do somehow make it down these streets.
The 'new' city becomes more modern the further you stray from the Salzach. Renaissance architecture gives way to skyscrapers, train stations, fast food restaurants and eventually super highways. Salzburg also pays homage to it's favorite son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and of course the 'Sound of Music'. More on that later..