Salzburg Residenz Palace
Two residential palaces for the archbishops of Salzburg
Between Salzburg Cathedral and Judengasse Alley and between the two imposing residential palaces of the archbishops lies one of the most beautiful squares of Salzburg: Residenzplatz Square.
The Old Residence on Residence Square As early as the Middle Ages the seat of the Bishop of Salzburg was located in Residenzplatz Square. The residential palace took on the shape we know today at the end of the 16th century. The former seat of the prince archbishops of Salzburg comprises more than 180 rooms and three large courtyards. But that was not enough for archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. He planned a new residential palace opposite the old Salzburg Residenz Palace. The new palace was destined to serve as a dwelling for the archbishop and as accommodation for guests. A few years after the new palace was completed the archbishop changed his mind and decided to keep the old Salzburg Residenz Palace as his place of residence.
Salzburg Residenz Palace and New Residential Palace today
Today Salzburg Museum is located in the New Residential Palace. The museum won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2009. The law department of the Paris Lodron University calls the ‘Toskanatrakt’ wing of the old Salzburg Residenz Palace its home today. The stately rooms of the Salzburg Residenz Palace are open to the public for sightseeing every day. Find out more about the former residential palace of the archbishops of Salzburg with an audio-guide or participate in a guided tour for groups in either palace!
Residenzplatz Square
Residenzplatz Square between the old and new residential palaces of the archbishops immediately catches the eye. The baroque fountain is one of the most important baroque monuments in Europe. During Advent the booths of the charming Christmas market nestle around the fountain at the centre of the square. All kinds of events take place in Residenzplatz Square over the course of the year: from rock and pop concerts, festivals, fairs to live broadcasts of sports events.
The Salzburg Hotel Kasererbraeu is only five minutes on foot from Residenzplatz Square and the former residential palaces of the prince archbishops.
