The massive stage. A hundred meters wide. A stage that has witnessed legends. This is the Grosses Festspielhaus.
Right here in Salzburg’s historic heart stands this architectural marvel. Partially carved into the Mönchsberg mountain it is more than just a building. It’s a testament to Salzburg’s rich cultural heritage. The Grosses Festspielhaus’s story began long before its official opening in 1960.
Originally the site housed the Prince Archbishop’s stables. Built in 1606 and 1607 under Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau they held 130 horses. Later additions included a winter riding school. The impressive north facade facing Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz is the work of Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. This Baroque masterpiece was partially funded from spoils of the 1683 Battle of Vienna. Note the unicorns supporting the female figures representing Europe and Asia. A unique feature is the light shaft above the portal. Light streamed down to illuminate the horses in the former horse trough.
After the end of the Archbishopric in 1803 the buildings became cavalry barracks. Later they even housed a military bakery. The Haus der Natur natural history museum also found a home here until 1959.
The Grosses Festspielhaus as we know it is thanks to Clemens Holzmeister. He designed this incredible structure. Construction began in 1956. Fifty-five thousand cubic meters of Mönchsberg were removed to create space.
The inaugural performance on July 26 1960 was Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier. Herbert von Karajan conducted. It honored three giants of the Salzburg Festival: Strauss Hofmannsthal and Reinhardt.
The interior is a feast for the eyes. Carrara marble sculptures by Wander Bertoni grace the foyer. Robert Longo’s large crosses add a contemporary touch. Ceramic sculptures by Arno Lehmann adorn the staircases. Kokoschka’s Gobelins and murals by Wolfgang Hutter and Karl Plattner further enrich the space. The stage itself is a wonder of engineering. It boasts five lift platforms. The sophisticated technology includes a massive lighting system. The orchestra pit accommodates up to 110 musicians. The auditorium’s nearly square design holds 2179 seats.
Above the entrance a Latin inscription by Thomas Michels welcomes visitors. It proclaims the building as a sacred house of the muses open to all inspired by song.
The Grosses Festspielhaus. It is a place of history art and unparalleled musical experiences. It is a building that has seamlessly woven its past into its present. It’s a cultural icon and a must-see for anyone visiting Salzburg.