The name Salzburg was first documented in 755 AD.  However, well before its name the first signs of settlements within Salzburg's present city limits date as far back as to Neolithic times! The first actual city that merged smaller Celtic communities was founded by Romans in 15 BC and named Iuvavum!  Iuvavum, though, was abandoned after the Roman Empire came into decay and the area remained dormant until the 5th century when St. Rupert received the ruins as a present in 699 AD from the Duke of Bavaria and the city began to rise again. 

Rupert became the city′s bishop, launched St. Peter′s Abbey and is still to this day the patron saint of Salzburg. The picture at right is one I took from St. Peters cemetery.  St. Peters is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world; some say the oldest continuously active monastery North of the Alps. WOW!

Its origins date back to about 700, when the adjacent St. Peter's Abbey (Stift St. Peter) was established by Saint Rupert of Salzburg. The abbey's cemetery, probably at the site of an even earlier burial place, was first mentioned in a 1139 deed, the oldest tombstone dates back to 1288.

Catacombs carved into the rock of the Festung HohenSalzburg are catacombs that may stem from the Early Christian days of Severinus of Noricum during the Migration Period.

I find these just incredible to view... this was a place of refuge in the early days of Christianity within Salzburg. The fact that these were dug into the mountain side so very long ago is astounding. A good place to hide, too! 

Thursday, Oct. 31st: We have finally arrived after much travel from the West coast and we are ready to tour SALZBURG!  Since I was the first to arrive, I took the time to get down into the Alt Stadt (the Old City) to prepare myself for a week of taking photos.  I love the silhouette of the Dome Kirche before the sun makes it over the edge of the city.... Fear not! there will be more to come! 






Today, Friday, November 1st: My good friend from my college days, professor Anne Wiersma (of Hope College, MI) will be participating in the Church Choir services for All Saints Day, an day of honor of all Saints known and unknown, at the Franziskaner Kirche (pictured right).  As exchange students who studied here almost 25 years ago, Annie and I as well as our other class mates each integrated into our surroundings in our own unique and gifted ways.  Annie was a musician and participated in Choir services during her time here.  It was nice for her to return to city in this capacity.  A beautiful service - I enjoyed the beautiful architecture, music and spirit of this day.  

And - as always - Austrians know how to eat high quality, well made and natural foods.  Even their packaged jams and honey are of the finest quality.  No GMO's and all natural.  Wonderful!!! and terrific coffee!  Can't beat a hotel brunch breakfast that has a high quality espresso machine for your own personal use... SOLD! - to the woman who hasn't slept in over 30 hours!