Salzburg

Salzburg is in the west of Austria and just over 90 minutes by train from Munich. The name literally means salt castle, derived from the source of its wealth. The city is protected and overlooked by the Hohensalzburg Fortress, initially built in the 11th century but its current fortifications were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect the city from potential invasion by the Ottoman Empire.

Around every corner in Salzburg is a reminder that on 27th January 1756 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here. By the age of five he could play keyboard and violin and was beginning to compose and perform before royalty. By the time he moved to Vienna in 1781 he had been travelling for 10 of his 25 years including a visit to London aged 8 in order to meet JC Bach. Wolfgang’s older sister, Maria Anna was also a very talented musician. As a child she toured with her brother, often receiving top billing. However, given the views of her parents, prevelant in society at the time, she was no longer permitted to travel and perform with her brother once she had reached marriageable age. Although she composed, with letters from her brother showing praise for her work, none of her compositions have survived.

The other musical attraction for tourists in Salzburg is The Sound of Music. The Austrians we spoke to are pleased for the income it generates but not impressed by its historical accuracy. So long, farewell….and on to the next stop, Vienna.