Salzburg’s Alte Residenz was the home of its powerful Prince-Archbishops. The barnstorming Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau was the first to live under its Baroque roof – he began construction on the palace in 1604. In subsequent years, the gold and white interior was embellished with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr, chandeliers of smoked Bohemian glass, and Venetian mirrors.
Entry to the Residenz was a carefully calibrated ritual. Only the most privileged visitors could make it past the foyer and the Carabinieri Room to the Audience Hall. You can see all of its splendor – including the private apartments – when you purchase a ticket for the DomQuartier.
Mozart Bonus: Mozart was a regular visitor to the Residenz when he lived in Salzburg. His violin concerto KV 219 in A-major was first performed on December 20th, 1775 in the Ratszimmer conference hall.