Must-see in spring: magnolia blossoms amid historic buildings

Makartplatz on the right-hand side of Salzburg's Old Town is known for many sights. On the one hand, there is the painter Hans Makart, who gave the square its name. On the other hand, there is the famous home of the Mozart family, the Salzburg Landestheater opposite, directly next to it the historic Hotel Bristol and, at the end of the square on the Salzach side, the birthplace of the famous mathematician Christian Doppler – at the top of the square stands the imposing Holy Trinity Church, "watching over" the square. 

Just between these historical, cultural and sacred buildings is an idyllic complex that stands out from its surroundings like a small island. In the middle is the Caldera, an art project by sculptor Anthony Craig, created as part of the Walk of Modern Art –  park benches grouped around it invite the passer-by to pause for a moment, enjoy the sunshine, admire the surroundings and watch the world go by. 

The photographic hot-spot in spring

At a certain time of the year, however, this publicly accessible garden is busier than usual. The trees that frame it are responsible for this – and they are at their most magnificent every year at the beginning of spring. That's when the up to six-metre-high tulip magnolias on Makartplatz are in full bloom and delight their admirers with their rich shades of pink and white, making them one of the most popular sights in Salzburg's Old Town and a photographic hot-spot for a few days – for Salzburgers and visitors alike. Two of the six magnolia trees have been on Makartplatz since the 1950s. 

Starting at the end of March

During the time when Salzburg's magnolias blossom, you will be hard pushed to find a social media feed or Instagram story in any Instagram search with the location Salzburg Old Town without the magnolia blossoms of Makartplatz – and for good reason: after all, their location amid historic buildings is unique. In any case, you should keep your eyes and ears open for magnolia blossoms from the end of March, but no later than April – and come to Makartplatz as soon as they blossom.

Tips away from the magnolia blossom

Photos have been taken, the scent of the blossoms mentally preserved and the picturesque "Instagrammable Place" with the magnolias at Makartplatz thoroughly enjoyed from the park bench? Then we have the following tips for you around the square: take a look at the Dreifaltigkeitskirche [Holy Trinity Church] and let the interior of this significant sacred building by famous master builder Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach inspire you with its tambour dome. If you're lucky, the magnolia blossoms coincide with Easter – then there's a charming Easter market with impressive Easter crafts to discover in the inner courtyard of the adjacent Priesterseminar courtyard on the weekends. Of course, a walk in the nearby Mirabell Gardens is always recommended, where you can also experience spring with all your senses – and perhaps find some more magnolias.