Salzburg | Salzburg Hotels | 2014Olympics | Ski Vacations | Ski Resorts

Salzburg (population 145,000 in 2005) is a city in western Austria and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg (population 520,000 in 2003).

The geographic coordinates of Salzburg are 47°48′00″N, 13°02′36″E. The city is well-known for being Mozart's birthplace, its baroque architecture, extensive history, and as a gateway to the Alps.

Salzburg is located on the banks of the Salzach river, at the northern boundary of the Alps. The backdrop of mountains to the south contrasts with the rolling plains to the north. The closest alpine peak – the 1972m Untersberg – is only a few kilometers from the city center. The inner city, or old town, is dominated by its baroque towers and many churches. This area is surrounded by two smaller mountains, the Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg. The city is approximately 150km east of Munich, and 300km west of Vienna.

In 1077 the fortress was constructed under the order of Duke Gebhard.

In the late 15th century the Jews were expelled from the town.

Until 1803, the Archbishop of Salzburg was the ruler of the city and the surrounding territory. Successive archbishop princes moulded the town, with the most influential being Wolf Dietrich who was largely responsible for the shape of the city today. His influence saw the creation of the towering Salzburg cathedral, the Mirabell Garden, and other landmarks. In 1803, Salzburg became politically a part of Austria, and so it remains to this day.