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Five hundred years ago, at the end of the 15th
century, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt was
first mentioned as a crafts market in front of
the Salzburg Dom. In the 17th century the market
was called “Nikolaimarkt” (St.
Nicolas Market) and became famous as one of the
first Christmas Markets together with those in
Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam and Nuremberg.
After long discussions the dates of the market
were determined in the municipal market
regulations of 1903 as being from 11th November
to 24th December each year. The market was closed
in 1932 but re-established in 1972 in its
original spot near the Dom.
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The Christmas Market is held in the squares
beside the Cathedral and the Residenz Palace
during the five weeks before Christmas, as noted
above. Each year visitors to the market can also
enjoy performances by local choirs, musicians
playing a variety of instruments, and pastoral
plays. And the sweet smell of roasted almonds,
hot chestnuts, mulled wine
(“Glühwein”) and 'glogg
(“Punsch”) adds to the atmosphere.
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On the market stalls artisans, confectioners and
other merchants offer gingerbread hearts, sweets,
figurines for a nativity scene, toys, warm
clothing and other specialities related to
Salzburg and neighbouring district.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and raised in
Salzburg and he worked here from 1769 to 1781.
His birthplace and residence are local tourist
attractions. His family is buried in a small
church graveyard in the old town, and there are
many monuments to "Wolferl" in the city.
Local souvenirs are dedicated to the city's
illustrious son (left)and the famous
Mozart statue is situated close to the market
square. (below).
Some other notable Salzburg citizens
include:
• Christian Doppler, an expert on acoustic
theory and credited with the discovery of the
Doppler effect, was born in Salzburg.
• Josef Mohr was born in Salzburg. Together
with Franz Gruber, he composed and wrote the text
for "Silent Night". As a priest in neighbouring
Oberndorf he performed the song for the first
time in 1818.
• Maria Von Trapp (later Maria Trapp) and
her family lived in Salzburg. In the 1960s, the
movie The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg
and the state of Salzburg. The movie was based on
the true story of Maria von Trapp, a
Salzburg-based nun who took up work as a carer
with an aristocratic family. The all fled German
occupation and travelled to America. Although the
film is not popular among Austrians, the town
draws many visitors who wish to visit the filming
locations.
• Herbert von Karajan was a notable musician
and conductor. He was born in Salzburg and died
in 1989 in neighbouring Anif.
We leave Salzburg and the following day we have
a visit to Innsbruck. Please click on the 'next'
button at the bottom right of this page.
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