Salzburg
Salzburg
 Toy Museum Arcades | |||
 Getreidegasse |
 A Chorus Line |
 Medieval Arches |
 Tea Party At Gehmachers |
 Old City from the Salzach |
 Residenzbrunnen |
 The Dom |
 Hohensalzburg |
|
May 25
Salzburg has all the attributes of a capital city - grandeur, culture, and a fascinating history - in the setting of a small town in the mountains. The city is majestically beautiful, arranged around the banks of the river Salzach, squeezed between two cliff outcrops and surrounded by Alpine peaks. The old center of Salzburg is very small and bursting with historic sights - from the remnants of the Roman city, Juvavum, to the curches, palaces, and squares constructed during Salzburg's thousand years under the powerful prince-archbishops. Towering over the city is the medieval fortress, Hohensalzburg, symbol of the power politics and religion that ruled the town. The other element that has shaped Salzburg is music, and there is music everywhere - in the churches, castles, palaces, and concert halls.
The small and delightful Spielzeugmuseum is located behind an arcaded Renaissance court which at one time housed the city's hospital. Some of the rooms are carved into the solid rock of the Mönchsberg. Under new management, the emphasis of the exhibition has become technical and optical toys, and there are some wonderful examples to be seen. Imagine yourself on the stage of one of the magnificent paper theaters. There are also some very fine examples of Lencis from 1925 and Käthe Kruse dolls from 1935.
Near the Spielzeugmuseum, the Getreidegasse is the old-city's most famous and picturesque shopping street. The name means "grain street," and in summer it's as closely packed with people as a corncob is with kernels. Notice the many wrought-iron shop signs - in the days when many people were illiterate, they served a very useful purpose. Look for the one with the familiar "golden arches," but don't eat there. Rather, explore a few of the many passageways leading off the Getreidegasse where you will find flower-laden courtyards, more shops, and eating establishments. Try the one at Getreidegasse 3.
Hellbrunn Palace, Nonnberg Abbey, the Mirabel gardens, Mozart's birthplace, the Dom, and St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs, are but a few of the sightseeing highlights of our guided city tour. Because the old city is largely a pedestrian zone, our touring coach does little more than take us past the major sights. The rest of our tour is on foot.
The Salzburger Marionettentheater was founded in 1913 and is one of the largest and most famous marioneete theaters in Europe. Tonight's performance of "Figaros Hochzeit" takes place in Salzburg's beautiful Baroque opera house. Take a few moments to study the elaborate marionettes in the glass cases in the foyer.
|
