The Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg
Perfect symmetry in the middle of the city
The whole world knows this picture: a magnificently laid out, symmetrical garden with an impressive fountain surrounded by artistic sculptures. Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress tower in the background. Mirabell Gardens are one of the city’s absolute highlights and a must-see for any visit to Salzburg.
Botanical and architectural masterpiece
The central area of the garden with the large fountain and its four groups of figures is the most famous element of this Baroque garden.
The castle and garden are precisely aligned with the fortress – an impressive example of architectural harmony. However, it is also worth making a detour to the dwarf garden, which you can reach via a small footbridge to the right of the castle.
Dwarf garden & other highlights
The oddball sculptures in the Zwergerlgarten are particularly popular with Salzburg locals – and a real insider tip for visitors. Originally there were 28 dwarves made of Untersberg marble, each with their own unique facial expressions. Many of them are popular photo motifs, and some of them can even be found elsewhere in the city.
However, there are other areas worth discovering on a walk through Mirabell Gardens:
- The large and small parterre
- The rose garden
- The Orangery
- The theater garden
- The dwarf garden
- The bastion garden
The changing times - architectural changes
The Mirabell Gardens were redesigned several times over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries. Although the famous Pegasus statue was created as early as 1661, it was not placed on the fountain until 1913.
The orangery, originally built in 1725, was not used for a long time and was only put back into operation in the 1980s.
The rose garden, which was laid out in the Baroque period as the “Great Rose Garden”, only took on its current form in 1955. After numerous alterations, it was finally Emperor Franz Joseph who opened the garden to the public in 1854.
Location & accessibility of the Mirabell Gardens
Mirabell Gardens are just a short walk from your hotel Amadeus in the heart of Salzburg’s old town. Simply cross the Salzach on one of the picturesque bridges that connect the new town with the old town – and enjoy the perfect scenery on the way there.
Image credits © SalzburgerLand Tourismus
