Salzburg Cathedral

We only spent about a half hour inside the Salzburg Cathedral with our Go Ahead tour guide but I was mesmerized every single second. I have to admit that I actually heard very little that the personal guide was saying and was really happy my companion on this trip was paying attention. I was just too enthralled by the millions of details inside this amazing Church. What the Duomo of Milan is outside, the Salzburg Cathedral is inside: Filled with awe inspiring details. (click on each photo to get a closer look!)

 The Cathedral itself is set out in a normal "cross" pattern. Its details are pure Baroque. Originally dedicated in 774, it was rebuilt in 1181 after a fire and then once again rebuilt in the seventeenth century in the Baroque style. It still contains the baptismal font where Mozart was baptized!

 One of the detail decisions that makes this Church so visually appealing is its paintings. Set against the black and white of the "bones" of the Church, these color images of the Saints looked perfectly framed. Little focal points in a huge area.

 Long hallways flank the nave. In each of the little alcoves there are more examples of the fine art that grace this beautiful Church.

 As you can see, color wasn't the only way they decided to paint the murals in this Church. Sepia portraits as well as full black and white dot the ceilings. While looking straight ahead the Cathedral is very beautiful but the real vision is when you stare straight up at the ceiling!

 Each section of the ceiling is highly decorated. The black and white Baroque trim is punctuated with the different tones of the murals that are also trimmed! Detail upon detail. I swear I could have spent hours just trying to take them all in.

 Each transcept also had it's own unique details. From the intricate wrought iron railings to the ornate organs on each side, there was even more to take in and enjoy.

 The domes allowed a wash of light to illuminate the entire Cathedral. There were electric lights as well but this bright splash of light inside the domes was a reminder that this was built when natural light was very important due to the only other light source being candlelight.

 At each corner at the head of the Nave were these organs. Beautifully trimmed in marble and surrounded by fine art they were a colorful focal point at each corner.

 The full sized organ was over the main doorway. Even more ornate than it's corner counterparts this organ was even topped with statues of the Saints.

 These wrought iron candelabras were everywhere in the Cathedral. With electric lights now that resemble the candles that once were the light source here, they retain the romance of that era. One of the reasons I love this photograph is that it helps show how many details are packed into one small alcove. From the artwork to the figures to the trim to the candelabra itself, the whole package is Baroque perfection.

 This is a straight on view from about half way up the Nave of the Cathedral to the altar.  The scope of this Cathedral is amazing!

 The panels on the sides of the walls displayed the different types of portraits that were featured throughout the entire Cathedral. Here you can see both the sepia and black and white portraits against the black and white of the trim.

 This corner held my attention for several minutes. It is easy to just see the beautiful paintings of this place and not pay much attention to the trim. The trim itself is filled to the brim with details. Of course, the real brilliance here is the use of white space to set off the intricate designs. It allows your eyes to work up from each design to the next. Beautiful!

The inside of the main dome is a work of art all by itself. Perfect geometry is set off with the different levels of paintings, different color styles of the paintings and the intricate trim work. You may end up with a crook in your neck but, believe me, it's worth it.

We will head to Mirabell Gardens next! See you later in the week! And you can now get a daily visual treat if you "follow" Shutterbug Traveler on Instagram!

Cat