Quick Info:
- What is Residenzplatz & Residenzbrunnen? A splendid square in the center of the old town of Salzburg.
- Where is it located? Residenzpl. 7, 5020 Salzburg
- What can you see there? In the middle of Residenzplatz stands the artistically crafted Residenzbrunnen from the 17th century.
Overview
Residenzplatz is an exceptionally grand square in the heart of Salzburg’s old town. It is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Neue Residenz with its carillon, the cathedral, the Alte Residenz, and a row of historic townhouses.
History
During the reign of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, five squares were created, with Residenzplatz and its opulent Baroque fountain possibly being the largest and most beautiful among them. Fifty-five medieval buildings were demolished to make way for it, and it was designed according to the Mannerist plans of the Italian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi.
Residenzplatz Today
Residenzplatz often serves as a venue for major sports or music events. In September, the Rupertikirtag takes place here, and during the Christmas season, the Christkindlmarkt opens its doors.
Every year, just before the last week of July, a torchlight dance featuring various traditional local groups is performed on the square to mark the opening of the Salzburg Festival.
Residenzplatz holds special significance for fans of the Hollywood film “The Sound of Music”: In a famous scene, Maria and the children sing as they pass by the Residenzbrunnen while on a carriage ride through the city.
Residenzbrunnen (fountain)
The Residenzbrunnen, crafted from Untersberger marble, was commissioned by Archbishop Guidobald von Thun and built between 1656 and 1661. It is the largest Baroque fountain in Central Europe and is believed to have been designed by Tommaso di Garona, with Antonio Dario serving as the chief engineer.
The fountain consists of a lower basin adorned with Baroque decorations, flanked by the coats of arms of Archbishop Guidobald von Thun. In the center of the fountain, there is a rock surrounded by four spouting sea horses (Hippocampi) and four Atlantes supporting a shallow water basin, with three dolphins supporting another basin.
The upper part of the fountain features Triton, blowing water into the air from a shell. This fountain was inspired by the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Rome and is renowned for its unique elements such as the Hippocampi and Atlantes. Originally, it was intended to draw water from the Fürstenbrunner source at Untersberg, but later, the Hellbrunner Sternweiher source was used.
Today, the fountain is connected to the Salzburg water supply network and primarily draws its water from the deep well at St. Leonhard.