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Salzburg

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Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria.

Salzburg - Panoramaansicht
Salzburg - Panoramaansicht

It is located on the banks of the Salzach River. The city sits near the border of Germany and at the foot of the Alps. To the south, the landscape features high mountains. To the north, the land transitions into rolling plains. The Untersberg mountain peak is less than 10 kilometers from the city center. The city is situated east of Munich and west of Vienna.

Salzburg vom Mönchsberg aus
Salzburg vom Mönchsberg aus

The history of the area spans many ancient eras. People have lived in this region continuously since the Neolithic Age. During the La Tène period, it served as a center for the Celtic Taurisci people. After the Roman invasion in 15 BC, settlements moved to the hills. The Romans built a city called Municipium Claudium Iuvavum. By 45 AD, it became a major city in the Roman province of Noricum.

View of Salzburg from Fortress Hohensalzburg
View of Salzburg from Fortress Hohensalzburg

Religious leaders helped rebuild the city in the 8th century. Around 696 AD, Bishop Rupert received the remains of the Roman town. He chose the site of Iuvavum for his new basilica. Rupert also founded the Benedictine nunnery on the Nonnberg Terrace. The city became a seat for an archbishop in 798 AD. This established Salzburg as a powerful prince-bishopric within the Holy Roman Empire. The city's name reflects its history of salt extraction. "Salz" is the German word for salt, and "burg" means a settlement or city.

2163 - Salzburg - Stift Nonnberg
2163 - Salzburg - Stift Nonnberg

Wealth from salt and gold shaped the city's physical growth. Salt was transported on barges along the River Salzach. These barges were subject to tolls in the 8th century. The city also gained market and minting rights in 996 AD. This wealth allowed for the construction of massive structures. The Hohensalzburg Fortress was built starting in 1077. It was constructed on the site of a former Roman fort. It remains one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.

Festung Hohensalzburg von Nordost
Festung Hohensalzburg von Nordost

Salzburg experienced significant religious and political shifts. In the 17th century, it became a center for the Counter-Reformation. Architects used the Baroque style to rebuild the city center. This style is known for its ornate churches and palaces. However, the 18th century brought religious conflict. In 1731, an Edict of Expulsion was signed by Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian. This led to the expulsion of 21,475 Protestant citizens. Many of these people moved to Prussia or the American colonies.

The 20th century brought much hardship to the city. In 1938, the Anschluss occurred when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. During the occupation, political opponents and minorities were arrested. The city also saw the establishment of several concentration camp subcamps. Allied bombing during World War II was very destructive. Fifteen air strikes destroyed 46 percent of the city's buildings. About 7,600 houses were destroyed, and 550 inhabitants were killed.

Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1988-119-04A, Anschluss Österreich
Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1988-119-04A, Anschluss Österreich

Despite these challenges, Salzburg remains a cultural treasure. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the best-preserved Baroque city centers north of the Alps. The city is also famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Wolfgang-amadeus-mozart 1
Wolfgang-amadeus-mozart 1

Today, it is a major tourist destination alongside Vienna and the Tyrol. The city hosts three universities and a large student population. It also maintains a strong economy with a high GDP per capita.

Getreidegasse am Nachmittag, Salzburg
Getreidegasse am Nachmittag, Salzburg
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🖼️ Images & Media (22)
File:Flag of the City of Salzburg, Austria.svg
Flag of the City of Salzburg, Austria.svg
File:Banner of Salzburg, Austria.svg
Banner of Salzburg, Austria.svg
File:2163 - Salzburg - Stift Nonnberg.JPG
2163 - Salzburg - Stift Nonnberg.JPG
File:Festung Hohensalzburg von Nordost.jpg
Festung Hohensalzburg von Nordost.jpg
File:Salzburg vom Mönchsberg aus.jpg
Salzburg vom Mönchsberg aus.jpg
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1988-119-04A, Anschluss Österreich.jpg
Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1988-119-04A,...
File:Salzburg - Panoramaansicht.JPG
Salzburg - Panoramaansicht.JPG
File:Winter salzach dec2024.jpg
Winter salzach dec2024.jpg
File:Salzburg - Panorama (nachts)2.jpg
Salzburg - Panorama (nachts)2.jpg
File:View of Salzburg from Fortress Hohensalzburg.jpg
View of Salzburg from Fortress Hohensalzburg.jpg
File:Salzburger Stadtteile.jpg
Salzburger Stadtteile.jpg
File:Katedrala, Salzburg - zapad.jpg
Katedrala, Salzburg - zapad.jpg

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