Salzburg, Austria - Two Minute History

Roman Foundations (15 BC – 5th Century AD)

Salzburg began as a Roman settlement called Juvavum, established around 15 BC. Thanks to its position along major trade routes, it became a thriving provincial town within the Roman Empire. Salt—“Salz” in German—was already a valuable commodity, and Salzburg’s name literally means “Salt Castle.” The Romans exported salt and imported goods like wine, olive oil, and pottery from across the empire.

Early Christianization & Bishop Rule (6th – 10th Century)

After the fall of Rome, Salzburg faded from prominence until it was reestablished in 696 AD. It became an official religious center for the Christian church, with a bishop (later an archbishop) leading both spiritual and political matters in the region. St. Rupert, often credited as the city's spiritual founder, was sent to re-Christianize the region. The city's wealth and influence grew thanks to salt mining, which funded religious and civic development. By 798, Salzburg was elevated to an archbishopric under the Holy Roman Empire.

The Rise of the Prince-Archbishops (11th – 13th Century)

During the High Middle Ages, Salzburg became both a religious and secular stronghold. Its Prince-Archbishops ruled with near-sovereign authority—answering only nominally to the Holy Roman Emperor. Conflicts like the Investiture Controversy (1075–1122) highlighted power struggles between church and state, but Salzburg maintained a remarkable level of autonomy.

Cultural Flourishing and Political Balancing (14th – 15th Century)

The 1300s brought both economic prosperity and political balancing acts. As neighboring regions vied for influence, Salzburg’s Prince-Archbishops sometimes paid tribute or formed strategic alliances to maintain control. Despite these pressures, the salt trade kept the city wealthy. In 1423, the University of Salzburg was founded, and by the mid-century, the region had endured the Black Death like much of Europe, wiping out an estimated half the population—though specific local records are sparse.

Religious Turmoil and Repression (16th Century)

The Protestant Reformation sent shockwaves across Europe, and while Salzburg’s population saw some influence from Protestant ideas, the Catholic Prince-Archbishops fiercely suppressed dissent. One major event of the century was the German Peasants' War (1524–1525), which reached Salzburg. The uprising was violently crushed, and no meaningful reforms were granted. Despite unrest, the century saw continued construction, cultural patronage, and a significant expansion of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Baroque Splendor and Stability (17th Century)

The 1600s were Salzburg’s architectural golden age. After a major fire in 1598, the city was rebuilt in a stunning Baroque style, influenced by Italian trends. The Prince-Archbishops commissioned churches, palaces, and fountains that still define Salzburg’s skyline. The Salzburg Cathedral was completed in grand fashion. Salt, timber, and agricultural goods remained key to the economy, and Salzburg became a key trade hub via both land and the Salzach River (which connects to the Danube).

The Mozart Century (18th Century)

The 1700s were marked by cultural explosion—and one name defines it: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in Salzburg in 1756. Under leaders like Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the city flourished artistically and architecturally. Mirabell Palace and Gardens were built, and the arts—especially music—were heavily promoted. Salzburg enjoyed relative peace and prosperity throughout this Enlightenment era.

Empire, Upheaval, and Integration (19th Century)

The 1800s brought immense change. The Napoleonic Wars resulted in multiple occupations by French and Bavarian forces. By 1816, Salzburg was permanently annexed into the Austrian Empire, losing its Prince-Archbishopric independence. Economic hardship followed, including famine after the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816. Still, cultural life persisted: a monument to Mozart was unveiled in 1842, and Salzburg began developing as a romanticized tourist destination.

Trade shifted from salt to agriculture, timber, and small-scale manufacturing. The expansion of railways in the latter half of the century revitalized commerce. The Biedermeier and Gründerzeit periods saw a shift toward sentimental art and local pride, setting the stage for 20th-century cultural prominence.

War, Rebirth, and Cultural Glory (20th Century)

The 1900s were marked by war, occupation, and recovery:

• World War I strained Salzburg under Austro-Hungarian rule.
• After the war, Austria became a republic and Salzburg was incorporated into the new state.
• In 1920, the Salzburg Festival was founded by Max Reinhardt, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Richard Strauss, launching Salzburg into global cultural fame.
• In 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. Salzburg suffered bombings and persecution during WWII.
• After WWII, Salzburg was part of the American-occupied zone before Austria regained full independence in 1955.

The post-war decades brought rapid tourism growth, economic revival, and cultural reinvestment. Herbert von Karajan took the Salzburg Festival to even greater heights, and the city modernized while preserving its Baroque core.

Modern Salzburg (21st Century)

Today, Salzburg is a peaceful, prosperous city deeply rooted in its cultural heritage:

• Tourism remains the dominant economic force, with millions visiting annually.
• The Salzburg Festival continues to attract the world’s top talent in classical music and opera.
• The city is part of the European Union and plays a role in cross-border cooperation with Germany.
• There is a growing emphasis on sustainability, digital innovation, and cultural preservation.

No major internal or external conflicts have impacted Salzburg in the 2000s, but global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have tested its economy, especially the tourism sector. Salzburg's identity today is shaped by the harmony between its historic past and modern present—a city built on salt, transformed by music, and defined by its enduring beauty.