Travel, Teach, Live in Europe and Middle East
Salzburg is a mid-sized city in western Austria with a population of about 150000 people. As a member of the European Union, the currency used is the Euro. Salzburg is subject to the Alpine climate; winters are quite cold and usually bring snow while the summer is hot and inviting, although prolonged rain showers are not uncommon.
The city of Salzburg is situated on the site of the old Roman settlement called Juvavum. Towards the end of the seventh century, St Rupert founded a bishopric in the city, and the growth of the city began anew. By the end of the eighteenth century, the city was in decline, and during the Napoleonic Wars, came under the control of both France and Bavaria. Further recession followed and after World War I, and during the second World War, many of the beautiful buildings in the city were damaged or destroyed. On May 15 1955, following a bitter involvement in the war, Austria declared itself neutral and joined the United Nations.
The most famous son of Salzburg is Wolfgang Aamdeus Mozart who was born there in 1756, and a statue celebrates the great composer at Mozartplatz in the heart of the city. Mozart’s birthplace is now a museum in his honour and house a number of his childhood instruments as well as correspondence, manuscripts and portraits. The Mozart Museum is located at Getreidegasse 9.
A stroll through the old town is a rewarding experience. This area is a mass of little streets, squares, courtyards and plazas. There are picturesque fountains and churches to explore. Domplatz & Kapitelplatz are bustling streets where music can be heard and the bargaining of the locals in the markets. Visitors can also tour the old town in a horse-drawn carriage, the original taxis of Salzburg.
Scholss Hellbrunn (Hellbrun Palace) is a lovely place to visit with its elegant buildings, beautiful gardens, and trick fountains and many other water-features which make this a fun attraction for the whole family to enjoy. It is located about 4km out of the old town.
For eating and drinking, Salzburg offers many options. There are numerous outdoor beer gardens which are perfect on a sunny afternoon, or perhaps one of the intimate coffee-houses would be appeal. Of course, there are a large number of fine restaurants in the city to suit every palate and pocket.
There is a hopping nightlife scene in Salzburg, but you wont find it by looking for flashing neon lights as such garish blots are prohibited by law. Instead the thriving clubs and pubs are to be found in innocuous looking premises on the banks of the Salzach.
Salzburg is a vibrant and beautiful city: clean and with a great feeling of space due to the traffic restrictions, there is much to see and do in the city and a great trip is guaranteed.
