UNESCO World Heritage Salzburg: 10 Questions and Answers

1. What does UNESCO mean?

UNESCO stands for the “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization”. It is a specialised agency of the United Nations, based in Paris, and was founded in November 1945 in response to the devastation of the two World Wars – as an idea built on peace. The principle behind it was that if prejudice and hatred can arise in people’s minds, they can also be prevented there.A UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as Salzburg’s historic Old Town, must be of “outstanding universal value”. If it were to fall into decay or be deliberately destroyed, it would be an irreplaceable loss for all of humanity. UNESCO World Heritage is about bringing people into contact and conversation with one another, regardless of origin, religion or cultural background. In this way, tourism becomes a platform for peaceful encounters.

2. Which UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there worldwide and in Austria?

UNESCO currently lists more than 1,200 World Heritage Sites in around 170 countries. These are divided into cultural and natural heritage sites, with some combining both. Among the most famous World Heritage Sites are the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Galápagos Islands. To receive UNESCO World Heritage status, sites must go through an extensive application process that usually takes several years. The final decision is made by the World Heritage Committee.

World Heritage Sites in Austria

In Austria, UNESCO has awarded this sought-after title to twelve “sites of outstanding value”. Alongside Salzburg, they include the historic centres of Vienna and Graz, the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut region, and Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens in Vienna.

3. Did Salzburg become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 or 1997?

On Mozartplatz, a plaque shows the year 1997. In fact, Salzburg was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1996. The ratification – meaning the official recognition – is dated 11 September 1997. The World Heritage certificate was presented to the then Mayor of Salzburg in a festive ceremony in the state rooms of the Alte Residenz, followed by three days of celebrations.

4. What does W. A. Mozart have to do with Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage status?

The cultural heritage of the city of Salzburg is closely linked to the life and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), who was born in Getreidegasse. The composer lived and worked in his native city until 1781, laying the foundation for Salzburg’s rich musical tradition. This tradition continues to this day, for example in the form of the Salzburg Festival.

The city of Salzburg was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status on the basis of three criteria. One of them states that sites should be “directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.” The reason given for Salzburg was: “Salzburg’s association with the arts is noteworthy, in particular with music in the person of its famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.” (Source: Austrian Commission for UNESCO)

Mozart’s Birthplace at Getreidegasse 9 and the Mozart Residence at Makartplatz 8 are among the most visited museums in the city of Salzburg. Both can be visited free of charge with the Salzburg Card.

5. Which famous sights are part of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Salzburg’s historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. This includes every object and building within the area – around 1,000 in total. Among them are:

• DomQuartier
• Getreidegasse
• St. Peter’s Cemetery and the Festival District
• the two city mountains: Mönchsberg with Hohensalzburg Fortress and Nonnberg Abbey, and Kapuzinerberg with the Capuchin monastery
• Mirabell Gardens
• Linzer Gasse with St. Sebastian’s Cemetery
• part of Nonntal

Sights such as Schloss Leopoldskron and Schloss Hellbrunn are located outside this area and are therefore not part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot

One of the great things about Salzburg is how compact it is. The UNESCO World Heritage area is easy to explore on foot – and most of it is pedestrianised. A particularly good way to discover it is the “UNESCO Walk”, which can be experienced using the Smart Guide app, available as a free download.

6. What is “intangible cultural heritage” – and does Salzburg have any?

“Intangible cultural heritage” is another UNESCO distinction. It refers, for example, to a craft, custom or traditional practice that has existed for a long time and is passed down orally from one generation to the next.

The unique Salzburg Marionette Theatre

The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is the only example of “intangible cultural heritage” within the city of Salzburg on UNESCO’s national list. The distinction was awarded for its performance practice – in other words, the way the string marionettes are operated. This technique is highly complex and difficult to master, but it is also what gives the Salzburg marionettes the exceptionally fluid movements for which they are famous.

The Christmas carol “Silent Night! Holy Night!”

Another example of “intangible cultural heritage” is the Christmas carol “Silent Night! Holy Night!”. Salzburg is one of six Silent Night locations: Joseph Mohr, who wrote the lyrics, was born here in 1792.

7. Is Salzburg at risk of losing its UNESCO World Heritage status?

No, there is currently no reason to believe that Salzburg is at risk of losing its status. In theory, however, World Heritage Sites can be placed on the “List of World Heritage in Danger” or even lose their status altogether.

In Salzburg, building projects are assessed very carefully to avoid putting the World Heritage Site at risk. New buildings and renovations are examined particularly critically in relation to the UNESCO status. Expert assessments and visual impact studies are carried out to minimise potential risks.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also surrounded by a protective buffer zone. This helps preserve important sightlines, views and visual connections, while ensuring that new development remains in keeping with the existing historic fabric.

8. Why don’t you see parasols with advertising logos in Salzburg?

Well spotted! In Salzburg, you will not find parasols, awnings or rubbish bins covered in advertising. This is due to the city’s strict regulations protecting its historic appearance, which also apply to advertising spaces. Official approval is required in Salzburg. For local businesses, this can sometimes feel like a lot of effort – but the result is a cityscape that has kept its distinctive and harmonious character.

Salzburg’s Old Town Preservation Act was introduced as early as 1967. It is the oldest and strictest law of its kind in Austria. And there is another reason, too: the people of Salzburg themselves place great value on keeping their city clean.

9. Why are events in Salzburg’s Old Town so special?

Events in the UNESCO World Heritage area are truly memorable. The atmosphere of the car-free Old Town, its beauty and its protected setting all create a unique backdrop. Anyone who has seen a performance of “Jedermann” on Domplatz or taken a ride on the Kettenprater during Rupertikirtag knows just how impressive this setting can be.

Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Baroque backdrop of the Cathedral and Residenz, and the city’s spacious squares come together throughout the year to create a wonderful stage for events of all kinds.

Popular highlights and long-standing classics include:

• sports events such as the Salzburg Marathon in early summer
• performances during the Salzburg Festival, including “Jedermann” on Domplatz and the Siemens>Festival>Nights on Kapitelplatz in summer
• Rupertikirtag around Salzburg Cathedral in September
• the traditional Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz in the run-up to Christmas
• and many other culinary, music and sports events for the whole family 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site as an event setting

With its Baroque architecture, Salzburg’s Old Town provides a magnificent backdrop and creates lasting memories. At the same time, the number of events held here is carefully managed. After all, the Old Town is also a protected place to live for its residents. Great care is taken to keep it that way. This is why large events are held only selectively – making them all the more special.

10. How did Johann Michael Sattler become Salzburg’s first influencer in the 19th century?

The “Sattler Panorama” is a monumental circular painting. It is the centrepiece of the museum “Orangerie Salzburg Panorama | Welterbe”, which opened in Mirabell Gardens in 2026. Measuring 5 by 25 metres, it shows Salzburg in the early 19th century. It was painted between 1824 and 1829 by Johann Michael Sattler together with Friedrich Loos and Johann Josef Schindler. Standing in the centre of the round room, visitors are surrounded by a 360-degree view of historic Salzburg.

A 200-year-old view of today’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

At its heart, the panorama shows the area that is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After completing the painting, Johann Michael Sattler packed it up and toured Europe with it for around ten years, exhibiting it in numerous cities. Audiences were captivated wherever it was shown. For many people, this image became the inspiration to travel to Salzburg themselves. The beauty of the depiction was so enchanting that Johann Michael Sattler can rightly be called his home city’s first tourism influencer. The circular painting on display is the original – and a masterful view of today’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Curious to discover Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Then why not book your trip to the City of Mozart today? You can also find many more tips and inspiration for your Salzburg visit on our social media channels.

Instagram: @visitsalzburg | TikTok: @visit.salzburg 

The 10 questions and answers about the UNESCO World Heritage Site were written by Salzburg author Franziska Lipp. She has lived and worked in Salzburg’s Old Town for more than 25 years and explores the themes of her home city in depth. Her most recent book is “The Sound of Salzburg – Auf den Spuren der Familie von Trapp zu den Original-Drehorten des Erfolgsfilms” (“The Sound of Salzburg – Tracing the von Trapp family’s journey to the filming sites of the hit movie”).