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St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs, Salzburg

The Petersfriedhof, or St. Peter's Cemetery, is the oldest Christian graveyard in Salzburg, dating back to 1627. It is a worthy attraction in itself, but many visitors come here to see the place where the Von Trapp family hid out in The Sound of Music.

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What to See at St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs

Sheltered by the Mönchsberg and enclosed by elegant wrought-iron fences, the cemetery consists primarily of Baroque porticoes housing chapels of Salzburg's old wealthy families. Many of the aristocratic families of Salzburg lie buried here, along with many other notable figures.

The graves are lovingly tended by Salzburg families, decorated with candles, fir branches, and flowers. Pansies are the most popular flower, because their name means "thoughts."

In Crypt XXXI is the grave of Santino Solari, architect of the cathedral. Crypt XXXIX contains the tomb of Sigmund Haffner, a patron of Mozart. And Crypt LIV, by the catacombs, contains the remains of Mozart's sister, Nannerl, an exceptionally gifted musician herself. The same crypt has the body of Joseph Haydn's younger brother, Michael (his head is in an urn stored in St. Peter's Church).

The cemetery includes two notable chapels: the Romanesque Chapel of the Holy Cross and the 15th-century St. Margaret's Chapel.

The fascinating Christian catacombs carved in the rockface above the church cemetery are worth a look as well. For a small admission fee, visitors can climb a steep set of stone-carved stairs and view several rooms with altars, faded murals, and inscriptions.

Quick Facts on St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs

Site Information
Names:St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs
Country:Austria
Categories:cemeteries; catacombs
Dedication: St. Peter
Dates:1627
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:47.796617° N, 13.045117° E
Address:St. Peter Bezirk, Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria
Phone:0662/844578-0
Hours:Daily dawn-dusk
Lodging:View hotels near St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Personal visits (September 2004; November 22, 2010).
  2. St. Peter's Cemetery - Fodor's Vienna to Salzburg
  3. Petersfriedhof - Frommer's Austria

More Information

© Holly Hayes
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Map of St. Peter's Cemetery and Catacombs, Salzburg

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