Ecclesiastical and secular buildings from various different centuries create the unique overall effect of Salzburg’s World Cultural heritage. Of around a thousand buildings, Salzburg’s old town is primarily characterised by the traditional burghers’ houses, the complex history of which is fascinating to this day.

As part of Doors Open Days, the curtains are drawn back on both well-known and hitherto anonymous houses that have been repurposed through adaptations and renovations.

After conversion and restorations, the buildings in question, which are often privately owned, are opened up to the general public, allowing visitors to discover the stories behind the history at close quarters. At the same time, the visitors are taught how to interact with the rich cultural heritage sensitively.

This initiative is accompanied by a bilingual series of booklets.

“The ‘Salzburg burghers’ houses’ project not only offers locals and visitors to the City of Salzburg an opportunity to experience World Heritage architectural features and elements of cultural history first hand, but it also shows how careful use of historical constructions can work,”
says Dr Sabine Haag, President of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO.