The Sounds of Salzburg

When I close my eyes and think back to Salzburg, I hear Mozart playing in the streets and see green rolling hills resonating with the sound of music. In the Austrian hills, Salzburg is one of those magical European cities bursting with culture, history and music festivals.

Salzburg is one of the most beautifully preserved old towns in Europe

The Hills are Alive

The Salzburg Whitsun Festival is one of the greatest music festivals in Europe, to be held from May 17 to 20. Started in 1998, the festival celebrates music around a particular theme, with this year’s theme being “sacrifice”. It promises to be one that explores the depth of human emotion and concepts of surrender. Some of the highlights this year include a performance of the Vincenzo Bellini opera “Norma”, to be performed using historical instruments.  Celebrating ballet, Igor Stravinsky’s masterpiece “Le Sacre du Printemps” will be performed with artists from the Mariinsky Theatre of St Petersburg.

Vincenzo Bellini's opera, Norma

The Wonders of a Child Prodigy

Take some time off from the music festival to explore this beautiful city. Of course anyone who visits Salzburg must see the birthplace of one of the greatest composers ever to have lived, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart was born on the third floor of the Hagenauer House on January 27, 1756. His family lived here until 1773 and witnessed the child prodigy at work. Today, a museum, this building has been lovingly restored and documents Mozart’s life, memorabilia and some of his treasured instruments.

Salzburg Cathedral. Photo Credit: LepoRello(Wikipedia) / wikimedia

Medieval Architecture

Towering over the town of Salzburg is the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Built almost a thousand years ago, this fort has never been conquered, providing refuge for many during periods of war and turmoil. Whilst the exterior stands strong, the interior has been decorated with detailed gothic carvings, stunning paintings and rather unusual  insignia of the beetroot. This is even symbolised by a lion that holds the vegetable in its paws. Open all year around, you can see the stunning medieval structure for yourself, or if you are lucky enjoy one of the concerts held in the courtyard.

The centrepiece of Salzburg is its Cathedral; originally built in AD 767, this building has been the subject of controversy and destruction, and has been rebuilt several times over its long history.  From fires to bombings, Salzburg Cathedral has withstood it all and continues to stand tall and proud over the city.  In keeping with this city’s love for its favourite son, Mozart, the Cathedral also remembers him. After all, it was in this beautiful church that Mozart was baptised, and composed some of his famous works as the court organist and concert master. 

The much loved film, Sound of Music, was shot in Salzburg

In the town that celebrates music, no visit to Salzburg is complete without experiencing the joy of the Sound of Music Tour. Every year, almost 300,000 people flock here to sing along to the perky tunes, and reminisce that the hills are alive with the sound of music. The tour takes you through some of the iconic locations in the film including the Leopoldskron Palace, where the family lived and the Mondsee Church (where the wedding was filmed). For anyone who has sung along to this classic musical, this tour is one not to be missed.

Whether you love music, enjoy European history or have seen the Sound of Music multiple times, head to the Salzburg Whitsun Festival to explore this quaint Austrian town. MakeMyTrip offers flights to Salzburg.