Mirabel Gardens in Salzburg

         The city of Salzburg ("City of Salt") is located on the banks of the Salzach River, at the northern foot of the Alps in western Austria. I was traveling by a train that sped along the slopes of the Alps. Wonderful landscapes opened from the window. I started taking pictures right through the window glass of the train, here are some alpine views on the way to Salzburg. Mountain landscape in the south contrasts with plains in the north.

 

 
 

















Arriving in the city, I decided to see the famous Mirabel Garden, a sample of Baroque style park. The Mirabel Garden is one of the most visited attractions in Salzburg. Despite the fact that it is located away from other famous places of the city, on the other bank of the river Salzach, its very popular.

I will briefly tell you the history of the Mirabel Palace and Garden.
Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau built a small mansion for Salome Alt in 1606. But after a few years von Raitenau was imprisoned in the fortress Hohensalzburg. In 1612 the mansion was rebuilt and named Mirabel Palace. The Mirabel Garden was designed later, in the 20s of the XVIII century in the Baroque style. In 1818 great fire was in Salzburg and the Palace burned down.

 
 
















Now restored Palace has a clean look. The Mirabel Garden is a typical example of the Baroque style garden. Terraces, flower beds, a rose garden, marble statues and fountains make it very bright and lush. Especially park is beautiful in the summer. When I arrived, there were many visitors, even on a weekday. 

In the center of the park is situated a fountain, surrounded by sculptures. They depict scenes from the myths of ancient Greece. The baroque Mirabel Gardens were used as a movie location for “The Sound of Music”.

Stunning views open from the park to the fortress Hoenzalburg (in which the first owner of the Palace and Garden was imprisoned). 

The Old Town is located on the left bank of the Salzach river, there the towers and numerous Baroque churches rise. Talking about Salzburg, I can not recall the famous Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was born on January 26, 1756 in the Old town of Salzburg. Later the Mozart family moved to the right bank of the city. I think the young Mozart was inspired by the beauty of nature, the Gardens and the Alps to create his gorgeous music.