Baroque Builders

More than 400 years ago, the mighty prince-archbishops began transforming the city of Salzburg into a jewel of the Baroque.

Baroque builders transformed Salzburg into the “Rome of the North”

The greatest architects of their day were invited to Salzburg and created a masterpiece of urban design, now under the protection of UNESCO as a member of the World Heritage List. Impressed by the opulent grandeur of papal Rome, the goal was to conjure up similar splendor in Salzburg. Trade in salt, gold and other natural resources had brought great wealth to Salzburg, thereby financing the baroque magnificence we encounter in the city today.

Baroque Builders / Prince-Archbishops in Salzburg (years in office):

Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1587-1612)
Building achievements: Alte Residenz, Neue Residenz, Residenzplatz, Domplatz, Kapitelplatz, Griesgasse, Kapitelgasse, Hofstallgasse, Schloss Altenau (Mirabell)
Markus Sittikus von Hohenems (1612-1619)
Building achievements: the new Salzburg Cathedral, Schloss Hellbrunn, the new Hoftheater (Salzburger Landestheater), also founder of Gymnasium Salzburg (academic grammar school)
Paris Lodron (1619-1653)
Building achievements: completion of Salzburg Cathedral, fortifications across the city and province, founder of Salzburg University
Guidobald Graf von Thun und Hohenstein (1654-1668)
Building achievements: towers of Salzburg Cathedral, both cathedral archways, Residenz Fountain
Johann Ernst von Thun und Hohenstein (1687-1709)
Building achievements: completion of St. Cajetan’s Church, University Church, Church of the Holy Trinity, the Ursuline Church, church in St. John’s Hospital
Franz Anton von Harrach (1709-1727)
Building achievements: redesign of Schloss Mirabell (Marble Hall, Angel Staircase), renovation of the Residenz
Leopold Anton von Firmian (1727-1744)
Building achievements: completion of Schloss Klessheim, remodeling of the Kapitelschwemme and Marstallschwemme (“Horse Pond” next to Sigmundstor Gate) fountains, Schloss Leopoldskron