Brief information:
- What is the Cathedral Square? The Cathedral Square is a central square in Salzburg, surrounded by historic buildings and the impressive Salzburg Cathedral is characterized by.
- Where is it located? The Cathedral Square is located in the old town, not far from the Salzburg Cathedral.
- Why is it important? The Cathedral Square is of historical and cultural importance as it is the venue for many events and festivals in Salzburg. The most famous performance is the famous drama “Jedermann”
- How much is the entrance fee? Entry to the Cathedral Square itself is free, but costs for events vary.
- When is it open? The Cathedral Square is generally accessible at all times, although events and shops may be restricted to certain opening hours.
- How much time should I plan for? 15 minutes
General
The Cathedral Square in Salzburg is an enchanting place steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Its construction was commissioned by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. This unique square is located in the heart of Salzburg's old town and is surrounded by majestic buildings, including the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral, the archbishop's residence and a convent wing of the St. Peter's AbbeyThanks to the “Cathedral Arches” built by Giovanni Antonio Darios, the Cathedral Square is connected to the Residence Square, the Kapitelplatz and other arcades leading to the Franziskanergasse.
Cathedral Square today
Due to its closed form, the Cathedral Square has become a popular venue for the famous drama "Anyone" by Hugo von Hofmannsthal during the Salzburg Festival During the summer months, the square becomes a stage and offers spectators' stands that allow for a comfortable break in the middle of the historic flair of the old town. In winter, the Salzburg Christmas market and in autumn various events such as the Ruperkirtag take place.
Marian Column
In the middle of the cathedral square stands a column depicting Mary Immaculate. It is surrounded by allegorical figures, including angels, devils, truth and the church. This statue was built in imitation of similar Marian columns in Vienna and Munich. Archbishop Sigismund Graf Schrattenbach commissioned the creation of this statue of the Immaculate Mary, which was created between 1766 and 1771 by the brothers Wolfgang and Johann Baptist Hagenauer, a unique combination of marble sculpture and lead casting.
If you approach the Marian Column from the arcades of Franziskanergasse, you can observe a fascinating optical phenomenon: if you look at the head of Mary, you get the impression that the Virgin is crowned by two angels who hold a crown and seem to float on the cathedral façade.
Unfortunately, you also have to be a bit lucky to see it. During our last visits, it was covered up once and surrounded by a stage the other time.
Quick Facts:
- What is Domplatz? Domplatz is a central square in Salzburg, characterized by historic buildings and the impressive Salzburg Cathedral.
- Where is it located? Domplatz is situated in the heart of the old town of Salzburg, not far from the Salzburg Cathedral.
- Why is it important? Domplatz is of historical and cultural significance as it serves as the venue for many events and festivals in Salzburg. The most famous performance is the renowned drama “Jedermann.”
- How much does it cost to enter? Entry to Domplatz itself is free, but event costs may vary.
- When is it open? Domplatz is generally accessible at all times, with events and shops adhering to specific opening hours.
- How much time should I plan for a visit? Approximately 15 minutes.
General Information:
Domplatz in Salzburg is a charming place steeped in rich history and cultural significance. The construction was commissioned by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. This unique square is located in the heart of Salzburg's old town and is framed by majestic buildings, including the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral, the archbishop's residence, and a convent tract of St. Peter's Monastery. Thanks to the “Dombögen” built by Giovanni Antonio Darios, Domplatz is connected to the Residence Square, Kapitelplatz, and other arcades leading to Franziskanergasse.
Cathedral Square today
Due to its enclosed form, Domplatz has proven to be a performance venue for the famous play "Anyone" (transl. to “Everyman”) by Hugo von Hofmannsthal during the Salzburg Festival season. During the summer months, the square transforms into a stage, offering seating for spectators to enjoy a relaxing break amidst the historic charm of the old town. In winter, the Salzburg Christmas Market takes place here, and various events, such as the Ruperkirtag, are held in autumn.
Mary’s Column
In the center of Domplatz stands a column featuring a representation of Maria Immaculata. It is surrounded by allegorical figures, including angels, devils, truth, and the church. This statue was created in the likeness of similar Marian columns in Vienna and Munich. Archbishop Sigismund Graf Schrattenbach commissioned the creation of this statue of the immaculate Maria, which was crafted between 1766 and 1771 by the brothers Wolfgang and Johann Baptist Hagenauer, a unique combination of marble sculpture and lead casting.
As you approach Mary's Column from the arcades of Franziskanergasse, you can witness a fascinating optical illusion: By focusing on the head of Mary and approaching the statue, it creates the impression that the Virgin is being crowned by two angels, holding a crown as they seem to float on the cathedral facade.
Unfortunately, some luck may be needed to see it. During our recent visits, it was once veiled, and another time, it was surrounded by a stage.
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