Did you know Salzburg is the capital of its namesake state and with a population of 150,000 is the fourth largest city in Austria? With picturesque surroundings, the UEFA EURO 2008™ host city offers visitors some great highlights, such as the world famous Salzburg Festival, the beautiful baroque Old City or 'Altstadt' and a unique cultural scene.
Did you know that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg? The city's most famous son, the composer was born on 27 January 1756 in No. 9 on the Getreidegasse. Mozart's music may now be over 200 years old but it has never lost its appeal with thousands of people gathering every year at the monument in Mozartplatz erected in his honour. He composed many of his masterpieces, such as The Magic Flute and Requiem KV 626, at his house on the Rauhensteingasse, where he passed away in 1791. Mozart has also left a culinary legacy thanks to the 'Mozartkugel' – a hugely popular pistachio, marzipan and nougat ball.
Did you know that on 1 January 1997, the Salzburg 'Altstadt' was appointed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO? The Old City took on its present form in the 17th and 18th centuries and is an architectural treasure trove, with some buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Visitors sauntering through the narrow streets will be impressed by the rich array of churches and palaces, especially Salzburg Cathedral. The Salzburg City Preservation Laws, passed in 1967 and the first of their kind in Austria, protect this historical part of the city.
Did you know that salt has always played an important role in Salzburg? It has been mined in the area surrounding the city for over 4,000 years and the Salzach, a small river which flows right through Mozartplatz, has been used to transport salt over the centuries. The Archbishop of Salzburg knew how to market 'White Gold', promoting the trading of salt, laying the foundations for the prosperity of today's Salzburg. Salt even played a role in the naming of the city - 'Salz' (salt) marks Salzburg as a trading centre of 'Reichenhaller Salt'.
Did you know that the world famous Salzburg Festival first took place in 1920? The origins of the festival date back to a performance of 'Jedermann' by Hugo von Hofmannsthal in 1920. Theatrical director Max Reinhardt recruited only the best actors and singers to perform and from that the Salzburg Festival was born, with its reputation growing year on year. Now it boasts around 170 events and the sale of some 200,000 tickets annually, enjoying worldwide recognition as one a major cultural highlight.
Did you know that the oldest coffee house in Austria is in Salzburg? Tomaselli has been serving coffee since it was originally opened in 1705 by Karl Tomaselli and has been run as a family business since 1852. Even Salzburg's best known and most famous citizen, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, enjoyed a coffee at Tomaselli, which can be found in the 'Altstadt' on the Alter Markt, close to Getreidegasse. It is the ideal place to sit back, relax and reflect upon your time in the wonderful city of Salzburg.