Salzburg Cathedral
The Altstadthotel Kasererbräu is just around two corners from the Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) – the colossal building that dominates the Old Town.
This impressive building has defined the city’s skyline for almost 400 years. Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is the optical and spiritual centre of Salzburg’s Old Town. Its mighty facade is also the most famous backdrop for the Salzburg Festival. Hugo von Hofmannsthal couldn’t have found a more imposing stage for his ‘Jedermann’ than the main facade of Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) with its four monumental statues: the apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the country’s patron saints, Rupert and Virgil.
The first Salzburg Cathedral was constructed under Bishop Virgil
This was set on fire in 1167 by followers of Kaiser Barbarossa. Archbishop Konrad III von Wittelsbach had the cathedral rebuilt – even more imposing than before. In 1598, there was another fire that destroyed parts of the cathedral. Wolf Dietrich was Archbishop of Salzburg at that time. He decided to demolish the remaining walls of the cathedral and create an even more imposing cathedral in its place. But he was never able to see his building project to fruition.
Due to a feud with Bavaria, Wolf Dietrich was held captive by his nephew and successor Markus Sittikus in Hohensalzburg Castle. Markus Sittikus commissioned Santino Solari with the construction of the new cathedral. 14 years later, the early Baroque building was completed by Paris Lodron. Even today, the epitaphs next to the alter honour the building’s patrons, Lodron and Sittikus. One of the most interesting fixtures of Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is its baptismal font. It was completed in 1321, making it older than the cathedral itself. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised in this font. Joseph Mohr, who penned the Christmas song ‘Silent Night’ in the original German was also baptised in this holy font.
You can find out more about Salzburg’s history at the Salzburg Museum at the Neue Residenz, directly behind Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom), or you can even ask at the reception at the Altstadthotel Kasererbräu! We look forward to receiving your no-obligation booking request.