A Complete Guide to Salzburg Cathedral (Facts, Info & Tips)
The Prince-Archbishops, who ruled Salzburg for centuries, left the city with a rich, beautiful religious heritage.
The city’s Baroque skyline, dominated by spires and domes of its churches, simply shows how deeply interconnected Salzburg with its religion — Christianity.
If you are a traveler wanting to discover Salzburg’s beautiful heritage, one of the best places to start is Salzburg Cathedral — the center of Christianity in the city. Salzburg Cathedral is full of meaningful Christian symbolism, breathtaking architectural features, and offers a musical experience that complements Salzburg’s musical heritage.
Let me give you an idea of the things that you can find and experience inside Salzburg Cathedral to help you maximize your visit to the church. Tips and visiting information are included!
Good to know
As someone who loves to explore, I think Salzburg Cathedral is one of the places that makes Salzburg beautiful.
It’s the most beautiful and significant church, which I can say for sure after exploring it and listening to the audio guide.
Alongside Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace, and Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral is one of the must-see historical landmarks and architectural attractions when exploring Old Town Salzburg.
So, don’t forget to include Salzburg Cathedral in your itinerary, whether you’re visiting Salzburg for just a day, staying for two days, or planning a 3-day getaway!
You can get your entry tickets & audio guide here.
A glimpse to Salzburg Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
Beautiful and intriguing things you can see inside the Cathedral
While Salzburg Cathedral may look slightly modest from the outside, its interior is one of the most graceful among the landmarks in the city.
The ceiling of Salzburg Cathedral, richly adorned with frescoes and innumerable stucco works, is stunningly breathtaking.
It was the first thing I noticed immediately after viewing the cathedral’s interiors. And I believe it will also be the first part of the church that will catch your eyes as you enter for the first time.
In this section, I’ll tell you about the amazing things in the church you might want to see. I’ll mention them in the same sequence that I learned about them using the cathedral’s audio guide.
Good to know: If you enjoy old architecture, discovering hidden gems, and seeing symbolic and religious art, you should spend an hour or two in Salzburg Cathedral. Here’s where you can get your entry tickets & audio guide or entry tickets (guided tour) to Salzburg Cathedral.
Entrance Area
I’m not sure if there are other more entrances to Salzburg Cathedral but most probably, you’ll be entering the church through its main portals.
If that’s the case, you’ll be at the main entrance area which is also the best place in the cathedral to appreciate the grandeur and rich history of Salzburg Cathedral.
You might find these interesting!
Baptismal Font
After the entrance area of Salzburg Cathedral, the next most fascinating part of the church you can quickly see next is the baptismal area, located in the first side chapel on the left.
As you approach it, you’ll likely notice first the beautiful altarpiece depicting John the Baptist baptizing Christ in the Jordan River.
But the real treasure here is the magnificent baptismal font, dating back to the 14th century and resting on top of lion sculptures from the 12th century.
Stuccoes and Pews
More beautiful sights await you in Salzburg Cathedral, even in areas and aspects you’d never imagine. Like on the ceiling and pews of this church.
Gates
Before heading to the high altar to explore more of Salzburg Cathedral, take a moment to check out the three large bronze gates.
These gates represent the three divine virtues of faith, hope, and love. Adorned with intricate reliefs on their outer sides, they were created by three renowned artists and consecrated in 1958
Domed Space
Another breathtaking sight in Salzburg Cathedral can be found below the largest dome of the church, where the longhouse and transept intersect.
Step into the center of the octagonal tiles below the dome and look up — you’ll be amazed by the architectural work that combines form and light to depict a religious scene.
High Altar
Like most churches, the high altar of Salzburg Cathedral is the grandest religious work of art you’ll find inside.
But it’s more than just a beautiful piece of art — it captures the essence of the Christian faith and more.
Organs
Let your eyes wander around for a few more moments while you are within the domed space, especially as it offers the best view of the magnificent organs of Salzburg Cathedral.
Did you know that Salzburg Cathedral is home to several magnificent organs?
Crypt
After exploring all the amazing parts of Salzburg Cathedral mentioned above, you’re almost done with your tour of the church. But don’t forget to check out the crypt!
As you explore the crypt, you’ll discover more than just the final resting place of the archbishops.
Artwork Vanitas
Another part of Salzburg Cathedral’s crypt is the Romanesque crypt, where you are transported to a world of mystery and reflection.
In 2009, this hidden gem was uncovered during construction work outside the cathedral and made accessible to everyone.
In that year also, as part of the Salzburg Art Project, artist Christian Boltanski was invited to create an installation that would inspire people visiting the cathedral — the “Vanitas”
The Facade and Other Chapels
Once you’ve explored the places mentioned and the crypt of Salzburg Cathedral, you’ve seen one of the most unique parts of the church. But there’s still more to discover.
Check out the facade of the cathedral, Chapel of the Tabernacle and the Old Baptismal Chapel.
Concerts
A beautiful experience inside Salzburg Cathedral
In the beginning, I’ve mentioned that Salzburg Cathedral offers not only experiences relating to architecture and religious heritage, but also music.
Every day, except Sundays and public holidays, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique organ landscape of Salzburg Cathedral with up to seven of its organs.
The organs were designed with great care and attention to detail, following the principles of classical architecture and proportion theory, creating a harmonious unity between the organs, altars, and the prospect of the large organ.
Listening to a cathedral organ concert in the Salzburg Cathedral would be a unique experience, as you would be able to appreciate not only the music but also the harmony between the organs and their surroundings.
As the bells ring at about 12:04 p.m., two talented organists bring the different organs and organ combinations to life, filling the cathedral with rich and diverse sounds.
The concerts last for about 25 minutes, providing a perfect midday escape into a world of musical bliss.
Doors open at 11:40 a.m., so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot for this unforgettable experience. (There’s no seat reservation)
You can check the price of the Organ Concert in Salzburg Cathedral here.
Visiting Information
Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about the Salzburg Cathedral, including the latest news, I’ve gathered some resources for you. I recommend checking them out before your visit to the cathedral.
- Official Website of Salzburg Cathedral
- Opening Hours of Salzburg Cathedral
- Salzburg Cathedral Full History
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