Residenzplatz Square

The striking central square of Salzburg, the Residenzplatz, is a space that was definitely built to impress. To the south lies the city's copper-domed cathedral (the Salzburger Dom), to the east the solid grey-fronted hulk of the Residenz (the Bishop′s Palace), to the west the white-washed elegance of the Neue Residenz (the New Bishop′s Palace). And it was the residents of the last two buildings who were the ones doing all the impressing.

For a thousand years, the powerful Prince Archbishops of Salzburg ruled this city from those two palaces. Here is where their guests came to be entertained. In many ways, the vast open Residenzplatz was simply their front garden.

The first palace built on the square was the Residenz, which dates back to the 12th century. It was Prince Archbishop von Raitenau who shaped the building you see today, when he rebuilt it in the 17th century. He was also responsible for clearing out much of the old medieval heart of Salzburg, opening it up with squares like the Residenzplatz. Salzburg got something of an Italian makeover under von Raitenau's energetic direction.

Facing the Residenz is the Neue Residenz—built merely as the 'private home' of the Prince Archbishops in the 16th century, over time this has become ever larger and ever grander. Most of the Neue Residenz that is visible now was erected in 1700, including the famous Glockenspiel clock-tower, with its 35 bells.

Taken together, all of these splendid buildings have helped to shape the Residenzplatz. But what defines it is surely the Residenzbrunnen Fountain. This pinnacle of energetic marble sculptures, all immersed in an ever-shifting cloud of spray and spouting water, is one of the icons of Salzburg. Built in 1661 by famous Italian sculptor Tommaso di Garona, it has four snorting sea-horses at its base, and four stocky giants lifting up a large bowl. It contains three elegant dolphins, which are, in turn hoisting Triton, from whose trumpet the fountain's water shoots. This is more than just an exceptionally beautiful icon—it's also the biggest Baroque fountain to be found outside of Italy.

All these elements have helped make the Residenzplatz the most impressive of Salzburg's five city squares. The visiting dignitaries may be few and far between now, but Residenzplatz continues to wow visitors, just as intended.