Mirabell Palace and its gardens (Schloss Mirabell & Mirabellgarten) stand across the river that runs through Salzburg, yet they are still considered part of the city’s historic center. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau commissioned the palace in 1606, building it especially for his mistress, Salome Alt. She and her family lived there until Raitenau’s death. The name of the palace actually comes from Italian and means amazing, spectacular (Mirabile, Bella). Over the years, the palace was renovated and its appearance changed according to the style of the period.
Inside the palace are magnificent rooms that were once used for distinguished events. One of the rooms, known as the Marble Hall, was once considered the most beautiful wedding hall in the world, and even Mozart and his family performed in it. Today, classical concerts by the best musicians in the city take place regularly.
Although the palace is an important tourist attraction in the city, it actually serves as the location for the regional government offices and the office of the mayor of Salzburg.
This is what Mirabell Palace and its impressive gardens look like
Mirabell Palace Gardens
The palace gardens are undoubtedly the main attraction of the Mirabell Palace complex, and entry to them is free. The gardens were designed in 1690 in a symmetrical and orderly Baroque style. In the gardens, there are beautiful fountains, an old greenhouse, a rose garden, a dwarf garden, and a hedge theater. When standing in the gardens, you can look out at the beautiful view of Salzburg Fortress.Their spectacular beauty attracted filmmakers, who used the gardens for several scenes in the famous movie The Sound of Music. The well-known “Do-Re-Mi” sequence was filmed next to the Pegasus Fountain in the garden.
Key points in the Mirabell Palace Gardens:
- Fountain of the Four Elements: The central fountain of the gardens, featuring four groups of figures created by the artist Ottavio Mosto. The figures represent the four elements of nature – fire, water, earth, and air.
- Pegasus Fountain: Here you will find an ancient statue of Pegasus from 1661 that decorated several places in the old city until it was moved to the Mirabell Gardens in 1913.
- Hedge Theater: One of the oldest hedge theaters in the Alpine region. In the summer, folklore events and other performances are held here.
- Dwarf Garden: In this section, marble figures of dwarfs are scattered. This is the oldest dwarf garden in Europe. Of the 28 figures that were in the garden, about 17 remain today.
What can you see at the Mirabell Palace complex?
Since the palace is mostly used for city hall offices, most of it is not open to visitors. However, there are several areas open to visitors throughout the year. You can enter some areas in the palace, such as the Marble Hall and the Angel Staircase, and of course, the charming palace gardens.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Hours:
- The Palace: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on holidays and Sundays.
- The Marble Hall: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tuesday and Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- The Palace Gardens: Open every day from 6:00 AM until dusk.
- The Hedge Theater: Closed in winter.
- The Orangery (Greenhouse): Open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- The Dwarf Garden: Closed in winter.
Cost:
Admission to the gardens and public areas of the palace is free.
Address: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg
Map:
Read more about an experiential visit to the city of Salzburg or about excellent concerts inside the palace.
