Salzburg cathedral – All info

The impressive Salzburg Cathedral is just a short walk from HOP ON HOP OFF Station 5 "Herbert von Karajan Platz". Its striking dome, the two mighty towers and the imposing façade characterize the image of Salzburg's old town. The baroque squares around it not only invite you to linger, but are also used for events such as the Salzburg Festival or the Christmas market. But there are also impressive details and masterpieces of architecture and church art to admire inside.

The main façade is made of marble and dates back to 1628. The cathedral was damaged in the Second World War, completely rebuilt and reconsecrated by 1958. A cathedral has existed on this site since 774; it was commissioned by Bishop Virgil and consecrated to St. Peter and St. Rupert. The interior of the cathedral also has many treasures to offer, such as the baptismal font or the main organ. In the cathedral museum, you can marvel at some of the treasures from over a thousand years of church history.

The history of the cathedral

As early as 774, St. Virgil, then Bishop of Salzburg, had a cathedral built, which was then continuously extended. This first cathedral existed until 1167, when a fire destroyed the interior and the building was demolished. A new Romanesque building with 5 towers and a length of 110m was commissioned by Archbishop Konrad III. However, this too had to be demolished after a fire in 1598.

The foundation stone of the cathedral in its present form was then laid in 1614 by Archbishop Marcus Sitticus von Hohenems. The cathedral was consecrated in 1628 by his successor Archbishop Paris Lodron, although the towers had not yet been completed. These were not completed until around 40 years later, together with the surrounding squares.

In 1944, the dome of the cathedral in particular was severely damaged by bombs during the Second World War. Reconstruction lasted until 1959, the year in which the cathedral was reconsecrated.

How can you visit Salzburg Cathedral?

The interior of Salzburg Cathedral can be visited during opening hours for a maintenance fee. The cathedral is centrally located in the old town and can be reached after a short walk from the HOP ON HOP OFF station 5 "Herbert von Karajan Platz", but also from the centrally located stations 4 "Hanusch-Platz" or 9 "Justizgebäude/Nonntal".

What can you see in Salzburg Cathedral?

Facade

The impressive early baroque façade is made of Untersberg marble. Four large statues stand in front of the portal into the interior of the cathedral. They depict the apostles Peter and Paul, the original patrons of the cathedral, and the current patron saints of the country to whom the cathedral is dedicated, St. Rupert and St. Virgil. On the balustrade on the second floor are four smaller statues depicting the four evangelists.

Baptismal font

The bronze baptismal font dates back to 1321 and was created by Master Heinrich. The font rests on two lion figures that were created as early as the 12th century. The basin is decorated with relief depictions of saints, bishops and abbots of Salzburg. The lid of the basin was only created in 1959 by Toni Schneider-Manzell and shows Old and New Testament depictions with baptismal symbolism. Today, the baptismal font is located on the north side of the cathedral in a baptistery. Among others, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized in this font.

Dome

Inside the 71m high dome of the cathedral are 8 frescoes depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Depictions of the four evangelists and the coats of arms of Archbishop Paris Lodron and Archbishop Andreas Rohracher can also be found on the dome.

Crypt

The cathedral crypt was only built in the course of reconstruction after the Second World War. Parts of the floor and the tombs of the Salzburg archbishops were damaged and the remains of the walls of the previous buildings were discovered during the clearing work. The crypt was created to make these accessible to visitors.

How do you get to Salzburg Cathedral?

You can reach Salzburg Cathedral either from the HOP ON HOP OFF station 5 "Herbert von Karajan Platz", but also from the centrally located stations 4 "Hanusch-Platz" or 9 "Justizgebäude/Nonntal". From all three stations you can reach the cathedral with a short walk through the old town.