Mirabell+Palace+and+Garden

Matt Schofield Mirabell Palace and Gardens The Mirabell was built in Salzburg just beside the mountain which held the Hohensalzburg Fort or “High Salzburg Fortress.” Originally named Altenau Palace when it was built in 1606 by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress Salome Alt, the Palace’s name was later altered to Mirabell Palace and Gardens when the Archbishop was arrested in 1612. The palace was then given to the Archbishop’s successor Markus Sitticus von Hohenems. The palace was then rebuilt to a baroque style under the famous architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt from 1721 to 1727. The palace and gardens grew popular because of scenes being shot for The Sound of Music. Now the gardens are often used for weddings because of its sheer beauty and elegance. On April 30, 1818, a great fire swept through the city damaging the palace and leaving all but the marble staircase, one of the best part of the palace, that led into the palace and the marble hall were unscathed. In the fire there were few casualties, among them being Johann Michael Rottmayr and Gaetano Fant. If it were not for Peter de Nobile, the palace wouldn’t have the appearance we see today. Although Peter de Nobile is the mastermind behind the detail of this masterpiece, the marble staircase that still stands today is by far the cherished part the palace. Lining the staircase are Cherubs, or winged angelic statues. Along to go with the beloved palace comes the extravagant sights and aromas of the Mirabell Garden. Being redesigned by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach near 1690, to later be completely remodeled by Franz Anton Danreiter in 1730. Then in 1913, Kaspar Gras of Innsbruck made his addition to the Gardens with a Pegasus Statue. Other sculptures include a group of four statues that represent the four key elements, which are Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, which outline the fountain. All of these delicacies were first seen when Emperor Franz Joseph opened it to the public in 1894. Today they are known as a “Horticultural Masterpiece”. Today attractions such as The Hedge Theater, one of the oldest hedge theaters north of the Alps, The Dwarf Garden, a number of contorted creatures made of complete marble, and of course, the Pegasus Fountain. Today the mayor of Salzburg’s and the municipal counties’ offices are included here, along with the marble hall which served as a home for concerts of the Mozart family and the former archbishop's ballroom, now holds some of the “most beautiful wedding halls in the world.” Tours of the Palace and Gardens are held year round.