Europa - III
Salzburg
The charming town of Salzburg lies nestled against the craggy cliff of the Mönchsberg mountain, with the forbidding fortress of Festung Hohensalzburg keeping a silent vigil. The streets of the old town are narrow, paved with stones, and partially frozen in time. Numerous shops and boutiques beckon the visitor, their elegant façades festooned with elaborate iron-and-gilt signs, and horse-drawn carriages clop past ornate churches. The cafès are plenty -- perfect for taking a break from the ubiquitous throngs of tourists, while enjoying frothy coffee and the town's signature chocolate, Mozartkugeln (literal translation: Mozart balls).
I fell in love with Salzburg within seconds after stepping out of the train station. For once, the city girl in me was more than happy to be in a charming old town. And also, the fact that one of my most beloved composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born here (in 1756)* further enhanced its appeal.
My stay in Austria was absolutely wonderful, and the people were so friendly and always eager to come to my help. Salzburg, especially, was very captivating. I'm already looking forward to returning someday.
Handicrafts for sale in the market. Can you spot the second owl?
Festung Hohensalzburg **
Puppet exhibition inside the fortress.
My dead lover, Mozart, who else.
The breathtaking views and the lush greenery.
-.-.-.-
(*) Mozart achieved more fame, appreciation, and acclaim outside of his birth place, but that remains a different matter altogether. Now the place is defined by him -- you can't escape his presence anywhere.
(**) The Festung Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress), a 15-minute walk from the city centre, can be accessed by a funicular, which whisks you to the top in just sixty seconds. The fortress was built over the centuries by successive prince-archbishops. The opulent interiors provide a glimpse into the late-Gothic ducal style of living. There are also two small museums covering arms and ammunition, puppets, WWII photos, and tools of torture.
More to come soon...
The charming town of Salzburg lies nestled against the craggy cliff of the Mönchsberg mountain, with the forbidding fortress of Festung Hohensalzburg keeping a silent vigil. The streets of the old town are narrow, paved with stones, and partially frozen in time. Numerous shops and boutiques beckon the visitor, their elegant façades festooned with elaborate iron-and-gilt signs, and horse-drawn carriages clop past ornate churches. The cafès are plenty -- perfect for taking a break from the ubiquitous throngs of tourists, while enjoying frothy coffee and the town's signature chocolate, Mozartkugeln (literal translation: Mozart balls).
I fell in love with Salzburg within seconds after stepping out of the train station. For once, the city girl in me was more than happy to be in a charming old town. And also, the fact that one of my most beloved composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born here (in 1756)* further enhanced its appeal.
My stay in Austria was absolutely wonderful, and the people were so friendly and always eager to come to my help. Salzburg, especially, was very captivating. I'm already looking forward to returning someday.
Handicrafts for sale in the market. Can you spot the second owl?
Festung Hohensalzburg **
Puppet exhibition inside the fortress.
My dead lover, Mozart, who else.
The breathtaking views and the lush greenery.
-.-.-.-
(*) Mozart achieved more fame, appreciation, and acclaim outside of his birth place, but that remains a different matter altogether. Now the place is defined by him -- you can't escape his presence anywhere.
(**) The Festung Hohensalzburg (Salzburg Fortress), a 15-minute walk from the city centre, can be accessed by a funicular, which whisks you to the top in just sixty seconds. The fortress was built over the centuries by successive prince-archbishops. The opulent interiors provide a glimpse into the late-Gothic ducal style of living. There are also two small museums covering arms and ammunition, puppets, WWII photos, and tools of torture.
More to come soon...