Brief information:
- Where is the Old Market? in the centre of the old town Salzburg
- What is there to see? the smallest old town house in Salzburg, the Floriani fountain, cafes
General
The Old Market in Salzburg is a historic market square that was built in the 13th century. Over the centuries it developed into an important trade and transport hub. Between 1873 and 1927 the square was called Ludwig-Viktor-Platz, after the youngest brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I. It is located in the old town and is surrounded by historic buildings.
Story
The Old Market in Salzburg is not only a historic market place, but also a place with a long tradition. The Old Market and its surroundings used to be a busy centre for trading in food and other goods. In addition to its function as a weekly market, the Old Market was also a place for festivals and celebrations. The Whitsun dance, the sword dance of the Dürrnberg miners, the St. John's bonfire at the summer solstice and the barefoot dance of the bakers took place here.
Until 1889, the Old Market was also the location of the annual Lenten market. Until 1856, the autumn market, also known as the Ruperti Market, was also held here. In 1857, the weekly market was moved to the University Square.
The market today
Today, the market is an ensemble of stately town houses, many of which have their roots in the Middle Ages.
A special feature is the smallest old town house in Salzburg, which is only 1.42 metres wide and is located right next to the Café Tomaselli The tiny house was built in the 19th century by building up an alley.
Since the 16th century, the Old Prince-Archbishop’s Court Pharmacy at the Old Market. Opposite the Old Residence you will find the traditional café Café Tomaselli and the Café-Konditorei Fürst, whose founders Mozart Ball created.
The Floriani Fountain
The Floriani Fountain is an eight-sided fountain basin made of marble. It was made between 1685 and 1687 and is decorated with acanthus-decorated corner pillars and rosettes. On top of the basin sits a delicate spiral grille made of wrought iron, which was created in 1583 by Wolf Guppenberger. The fountain column bears the city’s coat of arms SalzburgAt its top is a statue of Saint Florian of Lorch, created by Josef Anton Pfaffinger in 1734.