Twin spires top this baroque-style 17th-century cathedral, with a museum housing sacred treasures.

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Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of early Baroque architecture, stands on the foundations of earlier churches dating back to the 8th century. Its reconstruction in the 17th century, following a devastating fire, resulted in the magnificent structure we see today, distinguished by its imposing facade of Untersberg marble. The cathedral's three bronze doors, each symbolizing Faith, Hope, and Charity, lead into a vast interior adorned with intricate stucco work and frescoes by Donato Mascagni. Uniquely, the cathedral's seven bells are each named after a saint, with the "Salvatorglocke" being the second largest in Austria. Mozart, a native of Salzburg, was baptized in this very cathedral and later served as its organist. The crypt beneath the cathedral houses the remains of Salzburg's archbishops, offering a glimpse into the city's ecclesiastical history. The cathedral's dome, a prominent feature of Salzburg's skyline, was meticulously engineered to withstand the region's harsh weather conditions.

Introduction

The Salzburg Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque structure dedicated to St. Rupert and St. Vergilius, is intrinsically linked to the Domplatz, forming a unique enclosed square with the Salzburg Residenz and St. Peter’s Abbey. This integration is a key element of the DomQuartier, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the ensemble's structure. The Domplatz is often highlighted by the Immaculate Mary Column, commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Sigismund von Schrattenbach, which depicts the Virgin Mary surrounded by allegorical figures.

The cathedral's façade, constructed of bright Untersberg marble, is divided into three horizontal sections. The lower section features three high arches providing access to bronze doors, flanked by sculptures of St. Rupert, St. Virgilius, St. Peter, and St. Paul. The middle section showcases statues of the four evangelists, while the top section displays the coats of arms of Mark Sittich von Hohenems and Paris von Lodron, the cathedral's builders. The sculptural group on the pediment represents the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Notably, when viewed from the center of the arcades at the back of Domplatz, the Virgin Mary on the Immaculate Mary Column aligns with angels on the cathedral façade, creating a visually integrated experience. The Cathedral Excavation Museum, located beneath the Residenzplatz and Cathedral Square, further reveals the historical layers of this integration, showcasing the foundations of previous cathedrals and remnants of a Roman villa.

Domplatz Integration

Salzburg Cathedral exemplifies early Baroque architecture, significantly influencing Southern Germany and Austria. Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, inspired by Italian Baroque, initiated its transformation, though Vincenzo Scamozzi's initial plans were unrealized. Santino Solari ultimately designed the cathedral, marking it as the first early Baroque church in Salzburg.

The cathedral's façade, constructed of Untersberg marble, showcases Baroque characteristics. Statues of the Apostles Peter and Paul, along with Salzburg's patron saints Rupert and Virgil, adorn the exterior. The gable commemorates Markus Sittikus and Paris Lodron, the Prince Archbishops who completed the construction.

Inside, frescoes under the dome and along the nave exemplify Baroque artistry. Stefano Bernardi's lost Te Deum score, composed for the cathedral's consecration in 1628, utilized the marble galleries, showcasing the integration of music within the architectural space. The finished church reaches 142 meters long and 33 meters high at the crossing dome.

The surrounding Domplatz, accessed through open arcade arches, unites the cathedral with the Salzburg Residenz and St. Peter's Abbey, creating a unified Baroque ensemble. The Maria Immaculata column, erected between 1766 and 1771, reflects the influence of similar columns in Vienna and Munich, further enhancing the Baroque character of the square. The iron gates display significant dates in the cathedral's history: 774, 1629, and 1959.

Baroque Architecture

Salzburg Cathedral's ecclesiastical significance is deeply rooted in its foundation by Saint Rupert in 774, marking the site's early importance in the region's Christianization. Originally dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius, the cathedral has undergone multiple transformations, reflecting the evolving religious landscape. The first Dom, constructed under Saint Vergilius, was consecrated in 774, establishing the location as a key ecclesiastical center. Archbishop Arno initiated the first renovations less than 70 years after its completion, underscoring the continuous importance placed on the cathedral's structure and function.

The cathedral's role as both a metropolitan and city parish church has shaped its musical practices and liturgical functions, influencing the use of German congregational songs and the division of musical duties between the Cathedral choir and the Hofmusik. This dual function created a multilayered space for musical expression, reflecting the diverse ecclesiastical institutions it housed. The structure has been rebuilt and reconsecrated multiple times, most recently in 1959, after sustaining damage during World War II, each time reaffirming its dedication to Saint Rupert. The cathedral's crypt houses remains of the earlier churches, providing tangible links to its extensive ecclesiastical past. The presence of Saint Peter's Abbey nearby, founded by Saint Rupert, further emphasizes the area's historical importance as a hub of religious activity and Benedictine influence.

Ecclesiastical History

Salzburg Cathedral holds the baptismal font where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was christened on January 28, 1756, the day after his birth. This 14th-century Gothic font is a surviving relic that predates the cathedral's current Baroque edifice. The Salzburg Cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times since the first Dom was recorded in 774. The original basilica experienced at least three extensive building and rebuilding campaigns during the early Middle Ages. In 1598, the basilica was severely damaged, and Prince-Bishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau ordered it demolished. The new sanctuary was completed in 1628.

The present Salzburg Cathedral is built partially upon the foundations of the old basilica. Indeed, the foundation stones of the preceding church building may be seen in the Domgrabungen, an excavation site under the cathedral. The relics of Saint Rupert were transferred here when the cathedral was completed. Inside the ornate interior of Salzburg Cathedral, one can find the place where composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized and also where he composed many of his musical pieces.

Salzburg Cathedral

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