Convent Nonnberg

Address:

Nonnberggasse 2
5020 Salzburg, Austria

Phone:

+43 662 84 607

NileGuide Expert tip:

Bring pocket change in order to turn on the lights illuminating the frescos at the back of the church. They are worth a look.

Description:

Tucked away between the Mönchsberg's eastern precipice and the Festung is the oldest existing nunnery in the German-speaking part of Europe, Convent Nonnberg. Founded in 700, its religious life as a convent has never been interrupted. The Gothic church is entered from the quiet courtyard where generations of nuns are buried. It is famous for its magnificent 15th century winged altar. Also of great interest are the remarkably moving 12th century murals under the nuns' choir in the back of the church. More recently, Nonnberg is famous as the convent where the real-life Maria was a novice before becoming governess to the von Trapp children. During the filming of The Sound of Music, the convent was used for some exterior shots. (Interior shots were filmed in Hollywood.) The church and courtyard are open until dusk or 7 pm in the summer, except during mass, when it is closed to viewing. You can reach it on foot in one of three ways: From Festunggasse, continue past the entrance to the funicular ticket office and bear left after passing the beer hall then follow the fairly level road; climb Nonnbergstiege (Nonnberg stair), the long set of steps reached from Kaigasse; or from the Nonntal district through a narrow alley.

Map:


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