DomQuartier

Journey back to 1803. Imagine Salzburg, a city ruled by prince-archbishops. Their power emanated from the DomQuartier, a complex encompassing the Residenz palace and the Cathedral. For centuries, this was the heart of their authority, a place of governance and celebration. But the prince-archbishops’ reign ended. The DomQuartier’s unified structure fragmented. Then, a remarkable transformation occurred. The DomQuartier opened its doors, inviting visitors to explore this historical center of power. Today, the DomQuartier offers a unique museum tour. It winds through the baroque core of Salzburg. Within the Residenz, once the official residence of the prince-archbishops, the opulent State Rooms await. These rooms showcase over 200 years of artistic styles. You can trace the evolution from Renaissance elegance to Baroque grandeur and the refinement of Classicism. The Residenz Gallery houses a remarkable collection. Eleven halls display European masterpieces, spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Dutch, Italian, French, and Austrian artists are all represented here. Ascend to the Cathedral Arcade Terrace. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. The terrace overlooks Cathedral Square and Residenzplatz. It also offers stunning views of Salzburg’s Old Town, with its charming historic houses, churches, and the Salzburg Carillon. The baroque facade of the Cathedral rises majestically before you. The North Oratory of the Cathedral houses the DomQuartier’s special exhibitions. Don’t miss the chapel dedicated to St. Rupert of Salzburg. Its rich artistic decorations are truly captivating. Finally, climb to the Organ Loft. From here, gaze down upon the cathedral’s interior, revealing its full splendor. The Cathedral Museum, located in the South Oratory, is a treasure trove of liturgical objects. It also displays Gothic and Baroque paintings and sculptures from across the Salzburg province. Among the collection, the Rupertus Cross stands out. This remarkable artifact dates back to between 700 and 750 AD. The prince-archbishops’ Chamber of Art and Curiosities is a rare gem. Reconstructed in 1974, it retains much of its original 17th-century furnishings. Inside, original showcases display a fascinating array of curiosities. These objects represent art, nature, and technology. St. Peter’s Museum, located in the Wallistrakt, presents masterpieces from the Archabbey of St. Peter’s rich collections. The medieval church treasures are particularly noteworthy. The DomQuartier also holds special significance in music history. Here, in the staterooms and Cathedral area, renowned musicians like W.A. Mozart performed their courtly duties. Mozart composed music for these very rooms and performed here himself. The DomQuartier offers an intimate glimpse into his musical world.