Mirabell Gardens
Ideal: Good for a short break, photos, and a calm stroll.
The palace was built in 1606 by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress Salome Alt; Fischer von Erlach reshaped the gardens in 1690 into today's symmetrical layout. The Pegasus fountain and the steps leading to it were used for the Do-Re-Mi scene in The Sound of Music. At the west end, the Zwergerlgarten displays 17th-century marble dwarf statues.
Quick facts
- Architect
- Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt
- Architectural style
- baroque architecture
- Elevation
- 426 m
- Heritage status
- Listed objects in Austria
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why do the gardens look so familiar?
Much of the "Do-Re-Mi" sequence in The Sound of Music was filmed here. The Pegasus fountain and the steps are instantly recognisable from the film.
Who was the palace built for?
In 1606 Archbishop Wolf Dietrich built it for Salome Alt, the partner he could not officially marry, and their children. The relationship eventually contributed to his downfall.
Why are there dwarf statues in the garden?
The Zwergerlgarten is a set of 18th-century marble dwarves. They were once removed for being considered ugly, then gathered up and returned.
Why go?
- For a short, pleasant walk in Salzburg
- For photo spots with fortress views
- Because it slots easily into an old-town route
Travel tip
Morning light is softer and better for photos.
