History

Two hundred years of architectural history

At the center of power

The first documented reference to the Residenz dates back to 1232. Archbishop Conrad I started the construction of the Bishop’s Palace after the end of the investiture conflict. Several renovations took place between 1519 and 1586, and the Residenz obtained today’s appearance under Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1587–1612).

At the beginning of the 17th century, the south wing with the large staircase and the Carabinieri Hall, a wing that connects to the Franciscan church and a large court area were built. Wolf Dietrich’s successors expanded and embellished the complex until the end of the 18th century. The Residenz was used by the Archbishops as a residence as well as for representation purposes.

Living and representing

Anyone who visits the Residenz today follows the same route through the rooms that envoys of foreign princes, statesmen and diplomats had to walk through for an audience with the Archbishop: They were taken from the Carabinieri Hall through the rooms of increasing pomp and splendor of the Knight’s Hall, the Conference Hall and the Antecamera up to the Audience Hall, which concludes the grandeur of the official reception rooms. The Prince Archbishops’ private chambers consisted of the study, the casket room, the bedroom with the private chapel, the Beautiful Gallery, the Throne Room, the White Hall, the Green Room and the Imperial Hall.

Usability of the piano nobile

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart regularly performed in person for the regents in the splendid rooms of the Residenz. The violin concert KV 219 in A major, for instance, was performed for the first time on 20 December 1775 in the Conference Hall.

The Residenz today is owned by the region of Salzburg: The splendid rooms of the piano nobile are still used for representation purposes and events today. The venues can also be hired as a magnificent setting for events of any kind.