Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse
Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse lies in the center of the Salzburg historical district and is actually one of the oldest streets in Salzburg. It is a popular location for a relaxing stroll, providing ready access to the Getreidegasse as well as the Franciscan Church.
Built back in the year 1140, Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse is one of Salzburg’s oldest streets. It is named after a prominent merchant and former mayor of the city: Sigmund Haffner. Prominent residents of the Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse included Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, his beloved Salome Alt as well as composer Heinrich Biber.
The house at No. 4 Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse 4 is known to have already been an inn back in 1607. In 1800, it was rechristened the “Gasthof zum Elefanten”. The name actually refers to an elephant by the name of “Soliman”, which the Portuguese king gave to Archduke Maximilian of Austria and his bride on the occasion of their wedding.
The Ritzerhaus was first chronicled in 1294. Back then, it was part of the city walls, and therefore right on the very edge of the Old City. In 1620, a small gate was built here, which led to the gardens once tended by the nuns of St. Peter’s Convent. Today, it is a thoroughfare from Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse to the Universitätsplatz and known as the Ritzerbogen. Also located in this same building since 1492 is Austria’s oldest bookshop.
Located on Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse is Museum der Moderne Rupertinum, a museum of modern art and one of Salzburg’s cultural highlights. Once used as a seminary for aspiring priests, the building has been publicly owned since 1983, since when it has housed modern works of art as well as graphics collections. In addition, the numerous private galleries, one-of-a-kind shops and cozy restaurants along Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse invite people to pause, relax and enjoy.
