New Residence

Now we’re on the other side of Residenzplatz, where several buildings come into view.

First, on your left, is the Weihnachtsmuseum, pardon my German, which translates to the Christmas Museum. Yes, you heard that right: a whole museum dedicated to Christmas decorations and objects from 1840 to 1940. It’s a festive celebration of Austria’s holiday traditions and religious symbols, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve. A magical little place, especially for anyone who loves the warm glow and nostalgia of Christmas!

Just next door, directly in front of you, is the New Residenz, another major cultural site in Salzburg. This one houses a museum dedicated to the city’s art history and offers a fantastic look at how and why Salzburg evolved into a center of Italian-influenced Baroque architecture, and what changed after the archbishopric came to an end in 1803.

The building itself was commissioned in 1588 by Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, who ordered the demolition of the old structures on the site to build what he intended to be his new residence. But in a surprising twist, by 1605, he chose to stay in the old one instead, maybe a little indecisive, don’t you think? Still, thanks to his ambition, we’re left with one of the most beautiful reminders of that era, standing directly opposite the original Residenz across the square.

Over the following century, the New Residenz was expanded with arcades, a tower, and a carillon, whose delicate bells you’ll almost certainly hear more than once during your time in the city. And if you want to do more than listen, you can step inside this elegant building and visit the Salzburg Museum, which was named European Museum of the Year in 2009.