We spent a day out in Salzburg during December 2004, that is my parents (Edwin & Anne), Korina and I. It was just for a bit of sightseeing and to visit the Christmas Market, as part of our long weekend trip to Munich. We travelled by train through the alps across the border from Germany into Austria. We unfortunately didn't get to take a lot of photo's of the sights, as it is not really the best time of year to do so, due to all the fountains being covered over for winter, the beautiful landscaped gardens have wilted and braced themselves for the snow, and with the Christmas markets being staged in the Town Centre, then you are lucky just to be able to walk around, let alone get a clear shot of an historic landmark. Nevertheless, it is still a great day out, and I would recommend a visit to this wonderful City during both the winter and summer seasons. For more details on the wonders of Salzburg, please visit the Official Salzburg Website.

Mozart's Birthplace in the the winding streets of Salzburg `Getreidegasse`

In Getreidegasse no. 9, is where the Leopold Mozart family lived from 1747 to 1773. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here on January 27, 1756. Today the rooms once occupied by the Mozart family house a museum. The charm of the Getreidegasse is not only generated by the high, narrow houses tightly nestled together, the enticing shops and the wrought iron guild signs, but also to the romantic passageways and courtyards

The Chriskindlemarkt at Residenzplatz

Robert, Edwin & Anne

The Carillon `Glockenspiel` at Residenzplatz

Mozartsplatz, with the statue of Mozart, and the Chriskindlemarkt Ice Rink

The square is dominated by the statue of Mozart by Ludwig Schwanthaler, ceremoniously unveiled on September 5, 1842 in the presence of Mozart's sons. Mozart's widow, Constanze von Nissen, did not live to see the unveiling. She died on March 6th of the same year in the house at Mozartplatz 8. A plaque was placed on the house in her memory

Hohensalzburg Fortress

It was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, considerably enlarged by Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519), largest, fully-preserved fortress in central Europe. The medieval princes' apartments and the Fortress Museum are of particular interest. Since 1892 the fortress can easily be reached by funicular railway departing from the Festungsgasse

Salzburg Cathedral

The original cathedral was built in 774 by St. Virgil (745-784). After the fire of 1598 reconstruction of the cathedral commenced in 1614 under Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus to plans by Santino Solari. Consecrated in 1628 by Prince Archbishop Paris Lodron. The famous Salzburg "Christkindlmarkt" (Christmas market) is held here each year before Christmas

The Dome and Organ inside of the Cathedral

The Church & Abbey of St. Peter

Around the Abbey of St. Peter

Abbey and Benedictine monastery, founded around 700 by St. Rupert. Romanesque in substance, later redesigned in the Baroque style. St. Rupert's grave cut into the rock. Altar paintings by M.J. Schmidt, also called "Kremser Schmidt". St. Peter's Cemetery, final resting place of prominent personalities.Early Christian Catacombs. Benedictine Nonnberg convent founded by St. Rupert's niece, St. Erentrudis, around 700
 

Anne & Korina at the Christmas market in Salzburg

The Altstadt

The Shamrock Irish Pub, where we watched the English Premier League Football game between my team Everton, and their nearest of rivals Liverpool (The Merseyside Derby). Thankfully Everton were victorious, with a narrow 1-0 win, which in turn took them to the dizzy heights of 2nd in the league

The Old Market `Altermarkt`

Across the river Salzach with a short stroll along the Staatsbrucke

A Gablerbräu Bier at it's homeplace, the Gablerbräu Central Hotel in Salzburg

All photographs were taken in Salzburg - Austria on the 11th December 2004.