About Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg’s location right in the centre of Austria means that, as well as being able to appreciate the beauty of the city, you can also splendour at the sites of the surrounding mountains. And due to its proximity to Italy and Germany it makes it a very convenient stop for travellers making their way through Central Europe.
The city’s first settlers were Celts who lived in caves on the left bank of the River Salzach. Once the Romans arrived, conquering the Celts who lived in the area, a small settlement called ‘Salzach’ was founded.
The name Salzburg wasn’t heard of until 755AD when the previous settlement of ‘Salzach’ developed into a city. Initially it was part of the region of Bavaria. Over the next 1,100 years the city belonged to both Austria and Bavaria, going back and forth in ownership. In 1809 it was transferred to Bavaria by the Peace of Schrönbrunn and then back to Austria under the Congress of Vienna in 1815. After that it remained part of Austria once and for all.
Today Salzburg is regarded as one of Europe’s most musical cities. The famous Julie Andrews musical ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed in the city and once a year the Salzburg Festival showcases the world’s most talented classical music artists.