Mirabell Castle and Gardens

The baroque Mirabell Gardens were used as a movie location for “The Sound of Music.” What is not so well known though, is that the palace on the far end of the gardens has another romantic story: the original palace was commissioned by Salzburg’s Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in 1606, as a token of his love for Salome Alt, who was his lover and partner for over 22 years and gave him 15 (!) children.

The Marble Hall – formerly the Prince Archbishop’s ballroom – is still today considered a place of love with its "most beautiful wedding hall in the world.” It is also the venue for the Palace concerts. Civil marriage ceremonies are held in the baroque Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace in Salzburg. It provides an elegant venue for this big moment in life. Couples are welcomed by dozens of little cherubs on the Angel Staircase. Stunning wedding photos are taken in the magnificent Mirabell Gardens, with the fortress and historic buildings serving as a backdrop

Today, the Mirabell Palace houses the offices of Salzburg's mayor.
The Mirabell Gardens are truly a horticultural masterpiece. However, before you reenact the Do-Re-Mi parade through the Hedge Theater (where on many days in the spring and summer you can listen to concerts of international amateur choirs and orchestras), stop at the Dwarf Garden, where a number of misshapen creatures are on display.