Square
Mozartplatz sits just east of Residenzplatz, separated from it by a covered arch passage. It is a quieter, more open square, dominated by the large bronze monument to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at its centre. The Neue Residenz faces one side; the Salzburg Museum occupies the building’s interior.
The monument was unveiled in 1842, with Mozart’s two surviving sons present. It was a long time coming: Mozart had died in 1791, largely ignored by the city that now trades on his name. The statue, by Bavarian sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler, presents him as a Romantic hero in a cape rather than the powdered court musician of his actual era. Franz Liszt reportedly performed at the inauguration concert, which was at least fitting.
The square is a natural point of transition. Coming from Residenzplatz to the west, it opens up the view toward the Salzach river to the east; continuing east, the streets narrow and the tourist density drops. For visitors who want to escape the main squares without walking far, the back lanes of the eastern Altstadt begin just beyond here.
The Salzburg Museum inside the Neue Residenz is the main institution on the square. It covers the history and culture of the city from Roman times onward, including the Mozart era. The Salzburg Christmas Museum in a corner building is a specialist collection covering the history of Christmas decorations and traditions.
The square is always open and free. The Mozart monument is at its centre and requires no ticket. The Salzburg Museum in the Neue Residenz is closed for renovation until approximately spring 2027; on reopening it charges admission and is closed Mondays. The Glockenspiel in the Neue Residenz tower plays at 7 am, 11 am, and 6 pm daily, audible from anywhere in the square. The Staatsbrücke bridge and the river are a three-minute walk to the east.
Do it here
These experiences include this place in their authored route.
1.5 - 2 hours
Daily guided walking tour of Salzburg's Altstadt. Tip-based, no fixed price: join free, pay what you think it was worth. Meets at the Spirit of Mozart and covers the essential old town from Mirabell to Mozartplatz in about ninety minutes. Run by Free Walking Tour Salzburg, Gerhard Reus's own brand.
2 h
A private guided walking tour of Salzburg's Altstadt. All the essential sights in about two hours, with the pace, emphasis, and questions shaped to your group. Meets at the entrance to Schloss Mirabell. Run by Free Walking Tour Salzburg, Gerhard Reus's own brand.
People
composer1811 - 1886
The greatest piano virtuoso in history. In 1856, the centenary year of Mozart's birth, Liszt came to Salzburg to participate in the Mozart celebrations, conducting and performing in the city. A lifelong champion of Mozart and a musical grandchild of the Viennese school that formed Mozart's world.
sculptor1802 - 1848
The Bavarian sculptor who created the bronze Mozart statue at the centre of Mozartplatz. Unveiled in 1842, 51 years after Mozart's death, in the presence of Mozart's two surviving sons. One of the first major public statues erected in honour of a composer anywhere in the world.
composer1756 - 1791
One of the most celebrated composers in the history of Western music. Born at Getreidegasse 9 in Salzburg's Altstadt on 27 January 1756. Salzburg's entire cultural identity is shaped around his legacy.
Curated routes
The fifteen sights we mark on the map we hand every guest, in the order I would walk them. It starts on the right bank, crosses into the old town, climbs to the fortress, and comes back over the Mozartsteg. Half a day at a stroll, or a full one if you go inside things.
Read more
The longer pieces where this comes up.
Mozart did not leave Salzburg quietly. He was kicked out. Literally. Count Arco, the Archbishop's chamberlain, kicked him in the backside and threw him out of the room. Mozart was twenty-five. He never came back.
