Mirabell Palace and Gardens – everything to know
Mirabell Palace, with its gardens, is not only an iconic symbol of Salzburg, but also one of the most beautiful spots for both locals and visitors alike. The vibrant, colorful flowers are guaranteed to lift your spirits. For those who prefer a quieter experience, it’s best to visit the gardens early in the morning, as they become a popular meeting spot in the afternoon. At this time, you’ll be surrounded by not only amazed tourists but also many locals enjoying the grounds. Mirabell Palace is especially beloved by couples, as it’s not only a beautiful place for photos, but also a possible wedding venue.
You can discover the history of mirabell palace on our classic walking tour or our Salzburg behind the scenes tour. But until then, here’s some history that will enrich your visit.
The History of Mirabell Palace
1606 – The construction of Altenau Palace
Mirabell Palace was originally built in 1606 by Salzburg’s Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, just outside the original city walls. It was intended as a residence for his beloved, Salome Alt, who moved there with their 15 children. Salome Alt was the niece of Barbara Thenn, one of many women who shaped Salzburg’s history. The estate was initially called Altenau Palace. Traces of this original structure can still be seen in the southwestern corner of the building and in the cellar. After Raitenau’s fall from power in 1612 and his imprisonment at Hohensalzburg Fortress, his nephew, Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, renamed the palace “Mirabell” (from the Latin mirabilis, meaning “beautiful”) in an effort to erase his uncle’s legacy. He also expelled Salome and her children from the estate.
1620 – Expulsion of Raitenau and Salome Alt
Prince-Archbishop Paride Lodron, who restructured the city walls between 1620 and 1642 during the Thirty Years’ War, incorporated Mirabell Palace and its gardens into the new defenses. Lodron even took up residence there, where he later died.
1721 – Baroque redesign of Mirabell Palace
In 1721, Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach ordered a Baroque redesign of the palace, entrusting the famous architect Lukas von Hildebrandt to create a cohesive architectural complex. The most famous room in the palace is the Marble Hall, which was initially used as a ballroom for the archbishop and also served as a concert hall. Mozart and his sister Nannerl frequently performed here, and their father Leopold also played in this beautiful space.
1818 – Fire in Salzburg
On April 30, 1818, a devastating fire swept through Salzburg, heavily damaging Mirabell Palace. Many Baroque decorations, like the statues adorning the rooftops, were lost in the blaze. Only the west side survived the fire relatively intact, allowing visitors today to get a sense of the former grandeur. The massive eastern tower was also removed after the fire. Luckily, the Marble Hall and the palace’s grand marble staircase remained untouched.
1866 – Sale to the city of Salzburg
In 1866, the palace, along with the nearby Kapuzinerberg, was sold to the city of Salzburg for 50,000 florins, and the gardens were opened to the public. Fortunately, this has remained the case to this day.
Mirabell Palace Today
Today, Mirabell Palace is used for political purposes, housing the offices of the mayor of Salzburg and the city council. The Marble Hall is still used for special events like concerts, conferences, and award ceremonies, and can even be booked for weddings. If there are no events scheduled, visitors can tour the hall to admire its beauty.
Mirabell Gardens
The Mirabell Gardens are a true delight, considered one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe. They are also world-famous for their appearance in the classic film The Sound of Music. In 1854, Emperor Franz Joseph opened the gardens to the public. Since then, this jewel of Salzburg has become a popular retreat for locals, visitors, and photographers alike. The gardens stretch along a north-south axis between Mirabell Palace and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Over the centuries, they have been redesigned several times, with the oldest preserved part being the “Grand Parterre.”
Visitor Information for Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Opening Hours:
- The gardens are open daily, with gates opening around 6 a.m. and closing at dusk. The hedge theater and Dwarf Garden are closed during the winter months. The Orangery is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Mirabell Palace and the Angel Staircase are open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The palace is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The Marble Hall can be visited on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. During special events, it is not accessible to the public.
Admission: Entry to both Mirabell Palace and the gardens is free.
Accessibility: Both the palace and the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
Concerts: Regular concerts are held at Mirabell Palace. Tickets can be booked here.
Tours: If you’d like to learn more about the history and stories behind Mirabell Palace and its gardens, there are guided tours available. Alternatively, let one of our licensed guides show you the hidden gems of Salzburg, including Mirabell Garden, the Dwarf Garden, and other fascinating spots around Salzburg, like the cathedral and Getreidegasse.
