Salzburg, Austria, is the birthplace of Mozart and, more recently, the setting for the movie, “The Sound of Music”.  These two connections seem to be the major themes of visits to Salzburg these days.  However, there is more to Salzburg than this.  It is a quaint, old, medieval town with narrow streets, lined with shops and restaurants, each with their own distinctive sign.  Streets empty into numerous squares, many with fountains and street performers. 

            Notable attractions include Mozart’s Geburtshaus (birthplace),

Mozart's Birthplace

Hohensalzburg (the white fortress at the top of the hill), Getreidegasse (the main shopping street and gathering place),

Getreidegasse

and Mozartplatz (Mozart Square) where the chimes of the Glockenspiel play a Mozart melody several times during the day. 

Mozartplatz

            A walking tour of the city should also include a stop at the Mirabell Gardens, on the other side of the river from the Old Town.  The gardens are beautiful with fountains and statues, plus they appeared in the Sound of Music, so are part of any tour of movie sights.  The gardens also provide a beautiful view looking back toward the fortress.

Mirabell Gardens

            Gary’s Gem:

                        After visiting Mirabell Gardens, walk back to the Old Town via the footbridge over the Salzbach River for a postcard view of the city with its many church spires and the castle above it all.

Salzburg Cityscape