Our journey through Salzburg's UNESCO monuments begins with two monumental structures that dominate the city's skyline: the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Cathedral.

Hohensalzburg Fortress, towering over the city at 506 meters above sea level, is one of the largest fully preserved medieval fortifications in Europe. Built in the 11th century, for centuries it was a symbol of the power of the Salzburg archbishops. Today it offers not only a fascinating history lesson, but also breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Alps.

Visitors can reach the fortress on foot or by cable car, which is especially convenient for families with children. Inside, wonderfully preserved ducal chambers, an armory and a fortress museum await. We especially recommend a visit to the Golden Chamber, whose richly decorated interior is very impressive.

It is worth noting that the fortress is open all year round, with opening hours varying according to the season. Ticket prices range from 10 to 16 euros for adults, with discounts for children and families. Last price revision: May 2023.

The Salzburg Cathedral, on the other hand, located at the foot of the fortress, is an equally impressive monument, although in a completely different style. This Baroque temple, built in the 17th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque cathedral, impresses with its monumental facade and richly decorated interior.

The cathedral is not only a place of worship, but also an important cultural center. It is here that famous concerts of sacred music are held, and you can listen to an organ concert at noon. Admission to the cathedral is free, making it accessible to all visitors.

Both the fortress and the cathedral offer audioguides in various languages, including Polish, making it much easier to visit and learn about the history of these places.

Comparing the two sites, it is worth noting that the fortress requires more time to visit and more physical effort, but offers a broader historical context and beautiful views. The cathedral, on the other hand, is more easily accessible, free of charge and is an excellent example of Baroque religious architecture. Both sites, however, are integral parts of Salzburg's skyline and bear witness to the city's rich history.

Continuing our tour of UNESCO monuments in Salzburg, we move on to two more remarkable sites: St. Peter's Abbey and the Mirabell Palace. These two sites, although different in character, perfectly illustrate the cultural and historical richness of Salzburg.

St. Peter's Abbey, founded in 696 by St. Rupert, is the oldest continuously operating monastery in the German-speaking area. It is a place where history is still alive. Visitors can admire the Romanesque portal, Gothic stained glass windows and Baroque interiors, which create a fascinating mix of architectural styles.

One of the abbey's most interesting features is the library, which contains more than 100,000 volumes, including valuable medieval manuscripts. Also worth noting is the crypt of St. Rupert and the historic cemetery where Mozart's sister is buried.

The abbey is open to the public daily, and admission is charged (about €5 for adults, discounts for children and groups). The ticket price includes a guided tour, which greatly enhances the experience. Last price revision: June 2023.

The Mirabell Palace, on the other side of the Salzach River, represents a completely different aspect of Salzburg's history. This Baroque palace, built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his beloved Salome Alt, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

The palace is especially famous for its beautiful gardens, which are a true paradise for lovers of garden art. Geometric flowerbeds, fountains and sculptures create a harmonious whole that delights in every season. It was in these gardens that the famous scenes from the movie 'The Sound of Music' were filmed.

The interior of the palace is also very impressive. Especially noteworthy is the Marble Hall, considered one of the most beautiful wedding halls in the world. It is here that classical music concerts are often held, where you can listen to Mozart's works in an authentic historical setting.

Admission to the Mirabell gardens is free, making it an ideal place for a family picnic or a romantic stroll. The palace's interiors can be visited at certain times, and tickets cost about 8 euros for adults (verified May 2023).

When comparing the two sites, one can see that St. Peter's Abbey offers a more spiritual and historical experience, while Mirabell Palace impresses with the splendor and elegance of the Baroque. The Abbey requires more time to explore and is more suitable for those interested in history and sacred art. Mirabell Palace, on the other hand, is ideal for families with children due to its beautiful gardens and the possibility of a free tour of the exterior of the complex.

Both sites, however, are an integral part of Salzburg's cultural heritage and are excellent examples of the city's architectural and historical diversity.

Our tour of the most important UNESCO monuments in Salzburg ends at Getreidegasse - the most famous street in the Old Town, which is the quintessence of Salzburg's charm and history.

Getreidegasse is a narrow, cobblestone street that has been the commercial and cultural heart of Salzburg for centuries. Its name comes from the word 'Getreide', meaning grain, indicating its former function as a center of grain trade. Today it is one of the city's most distinctive and photogenic sites, attracting tourists from all over the world.

What sets Getreidegasse apart from other historic streets are its unusual store signs. Made of wrought iron, richly decorated and often gilded, they are true works of art. Each signboard is unique and relates to the history or specialty of a particular store. It is these signboards that create the unique character of the street and are one of Salzburg's most recognizable elements.

Walking along Getreidegasse, one can admire not only the facades of the townhouses and the signboards, but also the numerous 'passageways' - narrow corridors leading to courtyards hidden behind the buildings. These picturesque alleys often hide charming cafes, souvenir stores or small art galleries.

One of the highlights of Getreidegasse is house number 9 - the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Today it houses a museum dedicated to the life and works of the brilliant composer. It is worth reserving time to visit it to better understand the cultural context in which Mozart grew up.

Getreidegasse is not only a tourist attraction, but still a bustling shopping street. Here you can find both luxury boutiques of famous brands and traditional stores offering local products. It's the perfect place to buy typical Salzburg souvenirs, such as the original 'Mozartkugeln' - marzipan chocolates named after the famous composer.

Unlike the other sights discussed, Getreidegasse is a place that can be visited completely free and at any time of the day. It is best visited both during the day, when it is bustling with life and commerce, and in the evening, when the ornate signs are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

When comparing Getreidegasse with the other UNESCO monuments in Salzburg under discussion, it is worth noting that it offers a completely different experience. While the Hohensalzburg Fortress or the Cathedral impress with their monumentality, and the Mirabell Palace impresses with its Baroque splendor, Getreidegasse charms with its intimate character and the authentic atmosphere of a medieval city. It is a place where history mixes with the present, creating a unique atmosphere.

Getreidegasse is also an ideal starting point for exploring other parts of the Old Town. In its vicinity are numerous restaurants serving traditional Austrian food, cafes where you can relax after sightseeing, and small squares where street concerts are often held.

To sum up our tour of the five most important UNESCO monuments in Salzburg, it's worth noting that each offers a unique experience and allows you to see the city's history from a different perspective. From the monumental Hohensalzburg Fortress to the spiritual St. Peter's Abbey, the elegant Mirabell Palace, the imposing Cathedral and the charming Getreidegasse, each of these sites is an important part of the mosaic that is Salzburg's cultural heritage. Together, they form a remarkable story of a city that for centuries was an important center of power, religion, culture and art in Central Europe. By visiting these sites, one not only learns about history, but also experiences the living heritage that continues to shape the identity of Salzburg and its people.