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In 1610, Santino Solari, also the architect of the Salzburg Cathedral, was appointed by Markus sittikus to build a pleasure palace on the Hellbrunn Mountain. Within a relatively very short time the result was this magnificent early baroque summer palace (Lustschloss, "the pleasure palace") which is set in a magnificent park. The Hellbrunn Park, in a stunning small forest, hills and paths, is now an extremely popular attraction by both tourists and locals.
Water is the central theme in the Hellbrunn Palace's architecture. The numerous sources of water in Hellbrunn Mountain gave the palece effervescent life. Hidden in the shade of bushes and trees or jetting out from unexpected hiding places - the world famous Wasserspiele (Trick Fountains) have been the main attraction at Hellbrunn for almost 450 years. Hellbrunn Palace served only the Archbishops as a residence in exceptional situations. With its magnificent ballrooms, the glorious gardens and the famous trick fountains, the Hellbrunn Palace was primarily used as the site of celebrations and festivals, spectacular events and cultural highlights. Santino Solari had the natural stone quarry in the Hellbrunn Mountain transformed into a stage. As a result, the oldest open air stage in Europe, the "Steintheater" (Stone Theater), was created. One of the most recent attractions of the Hellbrunn Palace was constructed in 1751 by architect Lorenz Rosenegger, the Mechanical Theatre. About 220 water driven models depict the life of a small Austrian city, hammering, sawing and daily work takes place tirelessly. This very interesting, never ending show, is a must see in the Hellbrunn Palace. Admission to the castle costs: EUR3 ; EUR 2 for children; EUR 8 for a family ticket. Parking is free. |