A sightseeing tour in Salzburg after moving from Vienna (even without moving into a hotel) began with a visit to the Mirabelgarten or the Mirabell Garden.
Despite the cloudy weather and a large concentration of tourists simultaneously staying in it, the garden conquered at first glance with its splendor, brightness, abundance of floral curls on the lawns, fountains and sculptural compositions on subjects from Greek mythology, romance and truly royal luxury. Any definitions in superlatives can be attributed to this wonderful Austrian garden.
On the north side of the garden is the archbishop's palace. Our attempts to get inside and see the Marble Hall were unsuccessful, but the young couple was lucky enough to rent it for a wedding. But it’s still worth saying a few words about the palace, since the birth of the palace and park complex began precisely with its construction.
In 1606, by decree of the Prince-Archbishop V.D. von Reitenau here, on the north side of the Salzach river, the beautiful Altenau Palace was built for his beloved - the daughter of the Salzburg merchant. The priesthood did not allow the prince to marry, but he was unable to refuse love. Salome Alt became the mother of his 15 children (only 10 of whom survived). Deprived of the right to be called a legal spouse and enjoy all the benefits of the situation in the world, she, having sacrificed herself a lot of love, should have been content with the role of the favorite. The construction of a fabulous palace built for and in honor of Salome was a gesture of worship and a symbol of great love. In 1612, Reitenau was removed from power, and Salome had to leave the palace. The successor of Prince M. Sitticus dubbed the palace because of the picturesque view around, like Mirabelle. Since then it has become the name of the summer residence of the archbishops.
In 1690, I.B. Fischer von Erlach defeated a wonderful garden to match the baroque appearance of the palace. It was rebuilt several times (1721-1727 and after the fire in 1818), while the baroque appearance of the palace was lost.
Since 1868, a city-owned residence, this acquisition cost the city authorities 50,000 guilders. From 1947 to the present, Mirabell Palace is the residence of the burgomaster and the magistrate of Salzburg. In the golden marble hall, where the six-year-old Mozart once gave concerts, concerts are still being held and awards, congresses and weddings are held.
But if our attempts to get into the marble hall were unsuccessful, then no one bothered us to look at the marble staircase, the railing of which is decorated with figures of cupids in different poses.
And finally, Mirabelgarten park itself is not just a regular garden, but one of the best examples of landscape art. Since 1854, by decree of Emperor Franz Joseph, Mirabell Garden was open to the public. And since then the flow of tourists who want to enjoy its unique beauties has not dried up. Since the palace today is an administrative building, so the garden is more interesting for visitors.
Since the Mirabell Garden was only the beginning of a sightseeing tour of Salzburg, therefore, a cursory acquaintance with it seemed to me clearly not enough. The next morning I came there to take a walk around the garden without haste and in silence (while there are few visitors), enjoy its beauty and enjoy the charm. The morning was clear and sunny, and it appeared to me in a new light.
The garden is surrounded by balustrades. You can get into it bypassing the beautiful wrought-iron gates from different sides. In the small stalls is the Pegasus Fountain (1661) in a flower frame. The sculpture of a winged horse cast in copper roamed the park more than once before a suitable place was found for it.
On the north side is the Do-Re-Mi staircase, known for the film “Sounds of Music”.
It offers magnificent views of the park and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Nearby is a staircase with unicorns, a little distance away - with the lions on guard.
On the lawns are floral patterns and curly shrubs.
There is one interesting building with a dome on the roof. Built in 1730, it served as an aviary for birds, and now it is a place for various exhibitions.
The large parterre is a picturesque panel, a real “living picture”, with luxurious flower beds, flowerpots, sculptural groups - symbols of 4 natural elements around the fountain. The statues of the ancient Greek gods (1689), Hercules and the beautiful goddesses symbolizing the seasons serve as a worthy setting for the Baroque garden.
The garden has a rose garden adjacent to the palace, it is surrounded by a wrought iron fence with 17 decorative marble flowerpots. That was it from the very beginning, however, some time after the war there was a garden here, but in 1955 the rose garden was restored. And today this corner is one of the most beautiful places in the Mirabell garden. From the abundance of roses, the air is filled with a magical aroma, and you don’t feel like leaving anywhere.
You can walk through the Bastion Garden, through the green gallery and the maze, look at the Green Open Air Theater (1704-1718).