When you're out and about in a big city, sometimes you want to take a break in a beautiful park or square. Salzburg is lucky to have such a place. Not only is Mirabell Palace and its park located in the historic centre rather than on the outskirts, it's also one of the most romantic and intimate corners of the city, as well as one of its most important landmarks.
If you visit Mirabell Palace in spring, summer or autumn, you can enjoy the beauty of the building and the park, take photos and let the kids run around in the alleys.
You can also pop in for a while in winter. Although you won't find a splash of colour here, a walk through the sleeping park will immerse you in a special state of relaxation and tranquillity.
The history of the palace
Mirabell Palace and Gardens is a true monument to love. Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Reitenau gave it to his beloved, Salome Alt.
The beautiful lover had given birth to 15 children, so the gift was well worth it. The architectural complex was built in 1606 and since then a statue of Solomei has stood in the park as a testament to the fact that true love never fades.
In the 1920s, Mirabell Palace was rebuilt by the famous baroque architect Lucas von Hildebrandt. Unfortunately, the big fire of 1818 destroyed many of the palace's treasures, including unique frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Gaetano Fanti.
The rooms of the palace were also damaged. However, the Marble Hall, the castle church and the great marble staircase, decorated with graceful angels, have survived.
The Mirabell Palace in Salzburg was later rebuilt to the designs of Pieter de Nobile and still stands today.
Along with the Rock Riding School and Nonnberg Abbey, Mirabell Park and Palace is one of the most important locations in the famous Hollywood musical "The Sound of Music". In the film, Maria and the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain in front of the palace, singing "Do Re Mi". At the end of the scene, the von Trapp family line up on the steps in front of Rose Hill for the final song. The audience is captivated by the unique view across the Mirabell Gardens to the palace.
Mirabell Park and its highlights
Mirabell Park is as famous as the palace itself. It was redesigned by Prince Archbishop Johann Ernst Graf in 1690 and again by Franz Anton Danreuther in 1730.
One of the park's main attractions, the Pegasus Fountain, designed by Caspar Gras of Innsbruck, was erected in 1913. The statue was moved several times before finally finding its ideal place by the fountain.
The famous Italian sculptor Ottavio Mosto also left his mark on the park with compositions around the fountain symbolising the four elements: fire, air, earth and water.
In the western part of the Mirabell Gardens is the Hedge Theatre, built between 1704 and 1718. It is the oldest theatre of its kind.
Thousands of pansies, daisies and forget-me-nots adorn the garden from early spring, with the occasional crocus and tulip bursting into bloom and the first tulip stems bursting through the ground. Up to 20,000 plants are planted during these months. Winter barriers are removed, park benches are installed and the garden awakens from its hibernation. Avenues of roses and beautiful ornamental shrubs are planted along the south wall of the Palace. In the warmer months, when the flowers are in full bloom and the neatly trimmed shrubs are inviting with their lush greenery, the park is a delight to be in.
The Dwarf Garden, created in 1715, has always attracted a large number of tourists. Tucked away in a corner of the Mirabell Park, 28 amusing sculptures of little people depict scenes from everyday life.
Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria once auctioned off this unique collection of figures. Fortunately, most of them (15 dwarfs) were found and returned to their rightful place.
Most guides will tell you an interesting legend about these figures. It is said that if you stroke one of the dwarves, it will give you its power. For example, a dwarf treasure hunter will bring you good luck, a dwarf merchant will help you solve your business problems, and a dwarf water bearer will bring freshness to your life. The important thing is to believe in their power.
Since 1854, Mirabell Park has been open to the public. The decree allowing free public access was signed by Emperor Francis Joseph.
Today, Mirabell Palace and its park are not only a cultural and historical treasure, but also the office of the town council and the mayor of Salzburg.
The Marble Hall, where Leopold Mozart and his son Wolfgang Amadeus played music centuries ago, is considered the most beautiful wedding hall in Austria and one of the most beautiful in the world. It is so popular with newlyweds that they have to book months in advance. It regularly hosts a variety of meetings, concerts and official events.
The sculptures in the palace by the famous master Georg Raphael Donner are some of the finest works of European Baroque art.
What more can be said about the palace and park? It's a fascinating spot on the map of Salzburg, with everything you need for rest and relaxation of body and soul: comfortable benches, plenty of shade in the heat, beautifully blooming flower beds, statues, buildings and water features that invite you to spend hours admiring the scenery. But it's better to see it all with your own eyes.
