Salzburg: A goldmine of history and culture

Part 3: Salzburg Cathedral

Twice destroyed by fire, today Salzburg Cathedral dominates the old town and city skyline and is one of the most significant buildings in church architecture with its impressive facade and dome.

The first cathedral was built on the site of the Roman Juvavem by Bishop Virgil and consecrated to St Virgil in 774. Followers of Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa, the Courts of Plain, set fire to the city in 1167 and the cathedral was destroyed. A decade later the cathedral was rebuilt and enlarged under Archbishop Konrad III becoming the largest church that has ever been built in the city.

In 1598 the cathedral was on fire yet again, which destroyed large sections including the roof. Rebuilt once more, the cathedral was opened in 1628 by Archbishop Paris Lodron with the largest festival Salzburg had ever seen.

The cathedral remained largely untouched until 1944 when the dome and part of the chancel were destroyed during a bomb attack, but the necessary repairs were carried out and by 1959 the cathedral was back to its former glory.

Today you will find three dates, 774, 1628 and 1959 inscribed into the cathedral gates symbolising the three consecrations of the Salzburg cathedral.

Inside the cathedral there are some very precious objects and ornaments to be found including the font where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised, the magnificent main organ surrounded by angels playing instruments as well as the grand cathedral portals.

Measuring 71 metres in height, the highlight of Salzburg Cathedral is undoubtedly the dome decorated with eight frescoes displaying scenes from the Old Testament.

The crypt is based on the old Romanesque foundations from 774 with evidence of the remains on view to this day. In the roundhouse is a mosaic showing the original design and size of the cathedral and comparing it to what it is like now. The tombs in the crypt are of the Salzburg Prince Archbishops from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

The Salzburg Cathedral is open all year round, although no visits are allowed during mass. A donation is required as an entrance fee and guided tours are available on request.

The city of Salzburg is around a 60min drive from Club La Costa’s Alpine Centre

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