Exploring Salzburg, Austria: A City Of Surprising Size

Salzburg is a city in Austria, situated in a level basin on both sides of the Salzach River. It is the fourth-largest city in the country, with a population of around 150,000. The city occupies an area of 7,156 square kilometres (2,763 square miles) and is known for its rich history and culture, including its Baroque architecture and scenic Alpine landscape. Salzburg's historic centre, known for its mix of art and architecture, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Population and demographics

Salzburg, the fourth-largest city in Austria, has a population of 152,244 as of 2024. The city's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with 143,978 residents in 1991, surpassing the 150,000 mark in 2016, and reaching 156,852 in 2020.

Salzburg's population comprises people of various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. According to the 2019 census, 68.3% of the population identified as Austrian, while 12.1% were from other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, and 18.9% were from other countries. The city is home to large German, Bosnian, Serbian, and Romanian communities.

The city's population experienced significant growth in 1935 when Salzburg absorbed adjacent municipalities, and again after World War II when it welcomed numerous refugees. Between 1939 and 1951, the population increased by 33.4%, from around 77,000 to nearly 103,000.

Salzburg has a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic Age, with early settlements built by the Celts in the 5th century BC. In the 15th century BC, these settlements were merged into a single city by the Roman Empire, known as Juvavum or Iuvavum. After the fall of the Roman province of Noricum, Juvavum declined and became a ruin by the 7th century.

In the 8th century, the city was reborn when Saint Rupert of Salzburg chose the area for his basilica. The area was named Salzburg, derived from the salt barges that travelled along the Salzach River. Salzburg gained independence from Bavaria in the late 14th century and became the seat of the Archbishopric of Salzburg, a prince-bishopric of the Holy Roman Empire.

During the German Peasants' War, the city was occupied, and the Archbishop had to flee to the safety of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. After the tensions eased, Salzburg entered a prolonged period of prosperity that lasted until the 18th century.

In the 1730s, an Edict of Expulsion directed Protestant citizens to recant their beliefs, resulting in the expulsion of over 21,000 citizens who refused to comply. This event significantly impacted the city's demographics, as those who left settled in other parts of Europe and the British colonies in America.

Salzburg has a strong connection to music, particularly classical music, as it is the birthplace of renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The city is also known for its Baroque architecture, with its historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography and landscape

Salzburg is a city in Austria, situated in a level basin on both sides of the Salzach River. The river rises in the Central Eastern Alps in the south and flows to the Alpine foothills in the north. The closest alpine peak is the 1,972-metre-high Untersberg, which is less than 16 km from the city centre. The city is surrounded by two smaller mountains, Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg, which offer a green escape within the city.

Salzburg is the capital of the federal state of the same name, which covers an area of 7,156 sq km. The federal state is divided into five major regions: Flachgau, Tennengau, Pinzgau, Pongau, and Lungau. The region is renowned for its stunning Alpine landscape, with the main ranges of the Alpine divide, including the Hohe Tauern mountains, running through the south. The state also boasts numerous three-thousanders and is bordered by the Dachstein massif and the Berchtesgaden Alps ranges of the Northern Limestone Alps to the east and north.

The city of Salzburg has a rich history, dating back to the Neolithic Age. It was originally a Celtic settlement and later became the Roman town of Juvavum. In the 7th century, the missionary St. Rupert founded the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and the Nonnberg Nunnery in the city. Salzburg became a significant religious centre, with St. Boniface establishing a bishopric in 739, which was elevated to an archbishopric in 798. The archbishops of Salzburg were acknowledged as princes of the Holy Roman Empire in 1278, and their powerful ecclesiastical principality ruled the region for centuries.

The Romanesque and Gothic periods left a significant mark on the city's architecture, with the construction of numerous churches and the expansion of the city's fortress, Hohensalzburg. However, it was during the Baroque and Rococo periods that Salzburg truly flourished and earned its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful cities. The city's "Old Town" is renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Salzburg's landscape is characterised by its proximity to the Alps, with rolling plains to the north and majestic mountains to the south. The state is home to lush forests, covering about a third of its land surface, and agricultural lands, with farming and dairy being prominent industries. The region also has a rich mineral history, with salt mining playing a crucial role in its development.

History

Salzburg's history is a rich tapestry, stretching back to the Stone Age and the early settlements that laid the foundations for the region's development. Here is a brief overview of the city's evolution through the centuries:

Ancient Times and the Middle Ages:

Salzburg's journey began in the Neolithic period when the area was inhabited by early settlers who utilised the region's natural resources, including salt deposits. In the 5th century BC, the Celts established a settlement on today's Mönchsberg, mining and trading salt intensively. The Romans conquered the region in 15 BC, incorporating the Celtic settlement into their province of Noricum and founding the city of "Iuvavum" or "Juvavum". This Roman city became an important commercial and administrative centre until the fall of the Roman Empire.

The Archdiocese of Salzburg:

In the 7th century, St. Rupert, considered the founder of the city, established the monastery of St. Peter and Nonnberg Abbey in 696, making Salzburg the religious centre of the region. Under subsequent archbishops, Salzburg transformed into a powerful principality, combining spiritual and secular authority. The city flourished economically, particularly due to the lucrative salt trade. In the 11th century, construction began on the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the most important landmarks in the city.

Renaissance and Baroque Periods:

Salzburg experienced a cultural and architectural renaissance during the Renaissance, with humanism and art shaping its development. However, it was during the Baroque period that the city truly flourished under archbishops Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Markus Sittikus, and Paris Lodron. Magnificent buildings, such as Hellbrunn Palace and the Mirabell Gardens, were constructed during this time, reflecting the power and cultural aspirations of the archbishops.

Salzburg in the 18th and 19th Centuries:

The city enjoyed a cultural apex in the 18th century, particularly under Archbishop Hieronymus von Colloredo, who supported Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. However, with secularisation in the 19th century, Salzburg lost its status as a prince-bishopric and became part of the Habsburg Empire. During the Napoleonic Wars, the city changed hands multiple times before being awarded to Austria in 1816.

20th Century and Beyond:

Like many European cities, Salzburg was significantly impacted by the two world wars. During World War II, the old town was mostly spared destruction, but the population endured bombing raids and occupation. Post-war Salzburg emerged as an important centre of international tourism and culture, with the founding of the Salzburg Festival in 1920 solidifying its reputation as a world city of music. Today, Salzburg is one of the most visited cities in Austria, renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Economy

Salzburg is a major tourist destination and has a thriving economy. In 2017, Salzburg had a GDP per capita of €46,100, which was greater than the average for Austria and most European countries. The state of Salzburg's GDP was €29 billion in 2018, accounting for 7.5% of Austria's economic output. Salzburg is the Austrian federal state with the highest GDP per capita, before Vienna.

Tourism is a major industry in the region, with Salzburg acting as a gateway to skiing areas to the south. The city's economy is also supported by its central location in Austria and proximity to Germany, as well as its position at the junction of major international transport routes. Many firms have their headquarters in Salzburg, particularly in the motor trade. The city is also known for its world-famous Easter and Summer Festivals, which attract many visitors.

Agriculture and horticulture are important to the region, with 17.8% of the land area dedicated to these activities. Mountain pastures cover 25.6% of the land, and 39.7% is wooded.

Salzburg's historical economic activities include salt extraction, trade, and gold mining.

Culture and tourism

Salzburg is a city steeped in history and culture, with a unique blend of Italian and German heritage. The city's UNESCO-listed old town, set on the banks of the Salzach River, is overlooked by the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe.

Salzburg's historic centre, with its well-preserved Baroque architecture, is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps. The city's name, which means "salt castle", is derived from the barges carrying salt on the River Salzach that were subject to a toll in the 8th century. The area has been inhabited continuously since the Neolithic Age, and the city was founded as an episcopal see in 696. It became a seat of the archbishop in 798, and its main sources of income were salt extraction, trade, and gold mining.

Salzburg is known for its rich musical legacy, most notably as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The house on Getreidegasse where Mozart was born in 1756 is one of the most visited museums in Austria. The city also hosts the annual Salzburg Festival, a world-class programme of music, opera, and drama that runs from late July through to the end of August. In addition to Mozart-related attractions, other cultural highlights include:

• The Museum of Modern Art
• The Museum of Natural History
• DomQuartier Salzburg
• St Peter Stiftskulinarium, located within St Peter's Abbey, one of the oldest inns in Europe
• The Augustiner Bräustübl, a brewery founded by Augustinian monks in 1621 that serves traditionally brewed beer in a large beer garden
• The Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), one of Salzburg's oldest buildings, dating from 1208
• Getreidegasse, a busy narrow shopping street characterised by high townhouses
• Mirabell Palace and Gardens
• Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains

Salzburg is also known for its thriving food and drink scene, with options ranging from traditional inns to Michelin-starred restaurants and historic coffeehouses. The city has a long tradition of beer brewing, with commercial breweries established in the 14th century.

The city is a popular tourist destination, with visitors outnumbering locals by a large margin during peak times. In addition to its cultural attractions, Salzburg also offers opportunities for outdoor exploration, including skiing during the winter months.

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