8–12 December Advent in Salzburg
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stately city on a small scale, Salzburg has a lovely skyline of domes and spires, dominated by the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress. The artistic patronage of the Prince-Archbishops and the musical tradition of a city forever associated with Mozart, have become defining features for any visitor. Salzburg is at its most atmospheric during Advent and the scenic surroundings and special private visits enhance the enjoyment of this short winter stay. Our chosen hotel, the elegant Alstadt Radisson Blu, is in the heart of the delightful Old Town, a short walk from the main street, Getreidegasse, with its medieval mansions and picturesque wrought-iron signs. One of these houses is Mozart’s birthplace, which we will be the first stop on our introductory
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walk. The spacious square in front of the Italianate Cathedral is the focus for Salzburg’s Christmas Market, a traditional scene with festive stalls selling seasonal crafts – and the alluring scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. By way of contrast, we will also be shown the austere Romanesque Franciskanerkirche. A pedestrian bridge takes us across the Salzach river for a stroll in the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace, which were designed by Fischer von Erlach. Later, welcome drinks and dinner will be served at the hotel. The following morning, we will be shown the art collections of the Residenz, historic home of the Prince-Archbishops. Nearby is the ancient abbey of St Peter, with its venerable churchyard alongside the rock wall of
the Mönchsberg. We will be shown the rococo interior of the 12th-century Benedictine church. Next we visit a private home on the Kapuzinerberg, with magnificent views over the city. After lunch, we have special permission to visit the elegant apartments of lakeside Schloss Leopoldskron. This was the former home of the impresario Max Reinhardt, one of the founders of the Salzburg Festival. We continue to Schloss Hellbrunn, a delightful summer residence inspired by the villas of the Veneto, with 18th-century decoration, set in baroque gardens. A gigantic Advent Calendar is displayed on the castle façade and there will be time to browse the Advent Market in the courtyard. In the evening we attend a concert at the Grosses Festspielhaus in Salzburg. The Festival Hall was designed by Clemens Holzmeister, incorpo-
Advent Calendar at Hellbrunn Castle © Photo: Sulzer / Schlossverwaltung Hellbrunn