Judengasse Street

Calling all shopping lovers, you’ve just arrived in one of Salzburg’s main commercial streets.

With its mix of boutiques, bars, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere. But this isn’t just any shopping street, it’s also a historic one. Back in the day, this was the heart of Salzburg’s Jewish community, and there was even a synagogue here. Records show that Jewish presence in the city dates back to the 13th century, during the Middle Ages. At one point, a historical document even affirmed equal rights for Christians and Jews.

Sadly, that didn’t prevent horrific events during the plague outbreaks of the 14th and 15th centuries. As the Jewish population appeared to be less affected, they were falsely accused of spreading the disease and of practicing witchcraft. Many were murdered or burned alive. Over time, anti-Semitic laws were introduced, and by 1498, the entire Jewish population was expelled from Salzburg.

Despite this dark chapter, the street remains a reminder of the Jewish community that once lived here, and its name, Judengasse, or “Jewish Lane”, still carries the memory of a once-thriving merchant population that helped shape the city.