The Goldgasse in Salzburg is a narrow passageway leading from one of the arcades on Residence Square to the Old Marketplace. It was also known as the "Sporer" "Milch" (Milk) and "Schlosser" (Locksmith) lane at various times over the centuries. "Sporers" were locksmiths for riding tack. The passageway owes its current name to the goldsmiths that once had their shops here. Beautiful jewelry - old and new - can still be bought here today, as can antiques, traditional costumes and hats, silk flowers, books, antique timepieces, pewter, furs, antique coins, paintings, fine wines and cooking oils, exclusive leather goods, art supplies, designer glasses and ceramics.
The buildings and their history
The buildings in Goldgasse have five to six floors. Most of the façades are smooth. Several buildings deserve closer inspection, e.g. the "Reitsamerhaus" at Goldgasse 5. It was referred to as the "house in Sporergasse" in 1424 and was where the French merchant, Jean Fontaine, first obtained a license to serve coffee in 1700. The coffeehouse later moved to the Old Marketplace, where it is now known as Café Tomaselli.
The "Hofgeigenmacherhaus" or "Fragnerhaus" at Goldgasse 6 is adorned with the miraculous image of Altötting with the head of an angel on a baroque corbel dating from the 17th century on the first floor façade.
The "Hofbinderhaus" at Goldgasse 9 has a "house blessings" painting depicting the Coronation of St. Mary in a curved frame.
The cornice on the roof of the "Brucknerhaus" at Goldgasse 11 bears the words "Go in and out with a cheerful mind, then happy folk will live inside." Various bell founders from notable Salzburg families lived in the "Glockengiesserhaus" at number 12 during the 17th and 18th centuries. The blessings painting on the "Glasererhaus" at Goldgasse 16 depicts the Holy Trinity with St. Florian and St. Sebastian.
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