Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral), Salzburg (must see)

Absolutely massive, incredibly ornate, and very welcoming towards visitors of all stripes, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) is the 17th-century Baroque church of the Roman Catholic denomination. It is dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius. The former founded the church in 774 on the remnants of a Roman town, and in 1181 the cathedral was rebuilt after a fire. In the 17th century, it was completely remodeled in the Baroque style under Prince-Bishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau to its present appearance.

In 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized here; the cathedral still contains the 14th-century Gothic baptismal font in which the composer was baptized (just see to the left upon entering). Famously, the grand bronze baptismal font was also used for the baptism of yet another artistic celebrity, Joseph Mohr, the Austrian writer, who wrote the words to the Christmas carol "Silent Night."

During World War II, the cathedral was damaged when a single bomb crashed through its central dome but was completely restored by 1959.

Salzburg Cathedral is framed by three arches linking it to the Residence Palace and Saint Peter's Abbey, creating an enclosed square. The cathedral's façade, made from dark grey stone with bright Untersberg marble, includes three portals leading to bronze doors, surrounded by statues of saints and topped with figures of the four evangelists and a scene of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The cathedral also houses historic bronze gates inside these portals, representing Faith, Hope, and Love, created by renowned sculptors in the mid-20th century.

The oldest bells in the cathedral are the Marien and the Virgil, both cast in 1628. The Salvator bell of the cathedral is the second largest bell in Austria, after the Pummerin bell in Vienna Cathedral.

Once inside, a number of organs are to be admired: one on each side of the high altar and a magnificent one in the rear traditional placing. Make sure to take a minute to sit in a pew and absorb everything around – you won't be disappointed. Cameras are allowed and there are some excellent photo opportunities to be had.

Tip:
Take a downward trip to the crypt – there is as much underground as above.
It is also worth attending a Sunday mass at 10 am, as you get a full orchestra and chorus.